One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
Introduction
This one-pan bold honey BBQ chicken rice recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful BBQ sauce, and hearty rice for a satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight, delivering big taste with minimal cleanup.
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 thighs or breasts 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. Pour this mixture over the seared chicken in the skillet.
- Step 3: Add the long-grain rice and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Step 5: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, spread the mixed vegetables evenly on top of the rice and chicken. Cover again to allow the vegetables to steam until heated through.
- Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, try substituting smoked paprika with chipotle powder.
- Use fresh vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini instead of frozen for added texture.
- If you prefer white meat, chicken breasts will work well but watch cooking time to prevent drying out.
- Add a squeeze of lime or sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro before serving for a fresh finish.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of long-grain white rice?
Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust cooking time accordingly, and consider pre-soaking the rice to ensure tenderness.
What can I substitute for BBQ sauce?
You can use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce. For a lighter option, a mixture of tomato sauce with a splash of vinegar and honey can work as well.
PrintOne-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make meal combining tender seared chicken thighs with a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, cooked together with fluffy rice and mixed vegetables in a single skillet. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is hearty, well-balanced, and requires minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 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 Broth
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Sauce
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey
Vegetables
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
Instructions
- Season and sear the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry and season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until nicely browned but not fully cooked through.
- 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.
- Add rice and broth: Pour the uncooked long-grain rice and chicken broth into the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Stir gently to mix the rice into the liquid without disturbing the chicken too much.
- Simmer the dish: Bring the skillet contents to a simmer over medium heat. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook undisturbed for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add vegetables to steam: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, evenly scatter the mixed vegetables on top of the rice and cover again. The steam will cook the vegetables gently.
- Rest and serve: When done, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to fluff and settle. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving the chicken and veggies hot from the pan.
Notes
- You can use chicken breasts or thighs depending on preference; thighs will be juicier and more flavorful.
- If using frozen vegetables, add them frozen directly to steam at the end; fresh veggies can be chopped similarly-sized.
- Adjust the seasoning of salt and pepper to your taste before cooking.
- Make sure to use a skillet with a tight-fitting lid to trap moisture for proper rice cooking.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili flakes to the seasoning.
- Honey BBQ sauce can be substituted with your favorite BBQ flavor for variation.
Keywords: One-pan chicken rice, honey BBQ chicken, easy weeknight dinner, skillet recipe, chicken thighs, quick rice dinner, mixed vegetables
