One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a simple and flavorful meal that combines tender chicken, savory rice, and a sweet BBQ glaze all cooked together in a single pan. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without the fuss.

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 evenly 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 the chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. Step 2: Using the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the BBQ sauce and honey. Stir well to combine.
3. Step 3: Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let everything simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Step 4: After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables evenly over the rice. Cover the pan again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Step 5: Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce and honey for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Swap mixed vegetables for fresh bell peppers, corn, or peas depending on what you have on hand.
• Use brown rice instead of white, but increase cooking time and liquid accordingly.
• To add some heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce with the BBQ sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water if the rice has dried out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts work well in this recipe. They may cook slightly faster, so check for doneness to avoid overcooking.

What if I don’t have BBQ sauce?

If you don’t have BBQ sauce on hand, you can substitute with a mix of ketchup, a little vinegar, and some brown sugar or honey to create a quick homemade BBQ flavor.

One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 72 reviews

This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe combines tender, seared chicken thighs with flavorful BBQ sauce and honey, cooked together with rice and mixed vegetables for an easy, delicious, and comforting meal all prepared in a single skillet.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• 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 to the pan and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until it develops a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. Cook the Rice: Using the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to enhance its nutty flavor. Then pour in the chicken broth, and stir in the BBQ sauce and honey, mixing everything to combine well.
3. Simmer Everything Together: Nestle the seared chicken piece back into the rice mixture in the pan. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let everything simmer for 15 minutes to allow the rice to cook and the flavors to meld.
4. Add the Vegetables: After 15 minutes of simmering, sprinkle the mixed vegetables evenly over the rice. Cover the pan again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender, the vegetables are heated through, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
5. Serve & Garnish: Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to firm up slightly. Then fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired, and serve hot for a comforting one-pan meal.

Notes

• You can use either chicken thighs or breasts depending on your preference; thighs will be juicier while breasts are leaner.
• Adjust the BBQ sauce type and sweetness level by choosing your favorite brand or flavor of BBQ sauce.
• For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when seasoning the chicken.
• If using frozen mixed vegetables, no need to thaw before adding; they will cook sufficiently during simmering.
• Make sure to keep the heat low during simmering to prevent the rice from sticking or burning at the bottom.

Keywords: one-pan, honey BBQ chicken, chicken and rice, skillet meal, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, one-pot meal