One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
Introduction
This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious and easy meal that combines tender chicken, flavorful BBQ sauce, and perfectly cooked rice all in one skillet. It’s a great weeknight dinner that requires minimal cleanup and packs a punch of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until browned.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey; then pour the mixture over the chicken in the skillet.
- Step 3: Add the rice and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring gently to combine everything evenly.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Step 5: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, spread the mixed vegetables over the top of the rice to steam them.
- Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat, or breasts for a leaner option.
- Swap long-grain rice for brown rice, but increase cooking time and broth accordingly.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat if you like it spicy.
- Fresh vegetables like bell peppers or peas work great if you prefer not to use frozen.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water to keep the rice moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice?
Yes, you can use jasmine or basmati rice, but cooking times may vary slightly. Brown rice will need more liquid and a longer cooking time.
Is it necessary to sear the chicken first?
Searing the chicken adds flavor and helps seal in juices, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked when finished.
PrintOne-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and hearty dish combining tender chicken thighs or breasts with savory BBQ sauce, sweet honey, and perfectly cooked rice. It’s a convenient all-in-one meal made in a skillet, featuring mixed vegetables steamed into the dish for added nutrition and color. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that delivers bold, comforting flavors with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice and Vegetables
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
Sauce
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey
Instructions
- Season and sear the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry and season them evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the chicken. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until it develops a nice browned crust.
- Prepare the honey BBQ sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey until well combined. Pour this sauce mixture evenly over the seared chicken in the skillet, coating the pieces thoroughly.
- Add rice and broth: Add the long-grain rice and chicken broth directly to the skillet, stirring gently to combine everything and ensure the rice is evenly distributed around the chicken.
- Simmer to cook the rice: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Steam the vegetables: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the mixed vegetables evenly on top of the chicken and rice. Cover again to allow the vegetables to steam, softening them without losing their color or nutrients.
- Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the rice fluff up. Finally, fluff the rice gently with a fork and serve the dish hot, ensuring the chicken, rice, and vegetables are well combined on each plate.
Notes
- You can use either chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option.
- If fresh vegetables are used, opt for quick-cooking veggies like bell peppers, peas, or carrots.
- Feel free to substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Adjust the BBQ sauce and honey quantities to suit your preferred sweetness and tanginess.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: One-Pan Meal, BBQ Chicken, Honey BBQ, Chicken and Rice, Easy Dinner, Skillet Recipe, Weeknight Meal
