One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delightful fusion of smoky, sweet BBQ flavors and comforting rice, all cooked together in a single pan. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, delivering tender chicken and flavorful rice with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
• Chopped green onions or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add a drizzle of oil and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey.
3. Step 3: Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Step 4: After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice. Cover again and cook for 5 more minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Sear the chicken properly to lock in juices and develop flavor.
• Toast the rice before adding liquids for a nuttier taste and better texture.
• For a spicy kick, add chili flakes or hot sauce to the BBQ mixture.
• Try adding shredded cheese during the last minutes of cooking for a cheesy twist.
• Use brown rice or quinoa as a nutritious alternative to white rice.
• Swap chicken thighs for breasts or other proteins like pork chops or tofu.
• Add extra vegetables like sautéed spinach, corn, or zucchini to boost nutrition.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist, and heat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Avoid overheating to maintain the chicken’s tenderness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well too. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can become dry. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

Is it necessary to toast the rice?

Toasting the rice enhances its flavor and helps prevent it from becoming mushy, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time.

One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 102 reviews

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful, one-pan meal that combines tender seared chicken with smoky-sweet honey BBQ sauce, simmered together with rice and mixed vegetables. This hearty dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, making it a quick and satisfying option for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Grains:

• 1 cup long-grain rice

Liquids:

• 2 cups chicken broth

Sauces:

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
• 1/4 cup honey

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables:

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)

Garnish (Optional):

• Chopped green onions or parsley

Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add a drizzle of oil and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Rice: In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey.
3. Simmer Everything Together: Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Add the Vegetables: After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice. Cover again and cook for 5 more minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
5. Serve & Garnish: Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot!

Notes

• Searing the chicken locks in juices and adds flavor.
• Toasting the rice before simmering brings out nuttier flavor and prevents sogginess.
• Do not stir aggressively after adding vegetables to avoid mushiness; let them steam gently.
• Use high-quality BBQ sauce for best flavor balance.
• Check chicken internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
• Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.

Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, one-pan meal, chicken and rice, quick dinner, BBQ chicken recipe, easy weeknight meal