One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
Introduction
This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and easy weeknight meal that combines tender chicken, savory rice, and a sweet smoky sauce all cooked together. It’s perfect for busy cooks who want something satisfying without the mess.
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. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and 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 evenly over the seared chicken in the skillet.
- Step 3: Add the rice and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir gently to combine the ingredients without disturbing the chicken too much.
- Step 4: Bring the contents of the skillet to a simmer. Cover and cook on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Step 5: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, spread the mixed vegetables over the top of the rice and chicken. Cover again to allow the vegetables to steam.
- Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to combine all the flavors.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, try adding a dash of liquid smoke or use smoked paprika in the seasoning blend.
- Swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but cooking time may vary slightly.
- Add fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley after cooking for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
- Use brown rice instead of long-grain white rice, but increase cooking time and liquid as needed.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the rice moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, frozen mixed vegetables work perfectly and will steam nicely during the last few minutes of cooking.
What if I don’t have BBQ sauce or honey?
If you don’t have BBQ sauce, you can substitute with a mix of ketchup, a little vinegar, and spices. Honey can be replaced with maple syrup or brown sugar for a similar sweetness.
PrintOne-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
A flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken thighs cooked with honey BBQ sauce over perfectly cooked rice and steamed mixed vegetables. This easy recipe combines sweet and smoky BBQ flavors with aromatic spices for a satisfying and comforting dish.
- 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 Sauce
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey
Vegetables
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
Instructions
- Season and sear the chicken: Season the chicken thighs or breasts 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 browned and cooked through.
- Make the honey BBQ sauce and add to chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey until fully combined. Pour the mixture evenly over the seared chicken in the skillet.
- Add rice and broth: Stir in the long-grain rice and chicken broth, ensuring everything is well mixed and the rice is evenly covered by the liquid.
- Simmer covered: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and cook for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Steam vegetables: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the mixed vegetables on top of the rice and chicken to allow them to steam and heat through.
- Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.
Notes
- You can use chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference; thighs will be juicier and more flavorful.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder when seasoning the chicken.
- If using frozen vegetables, no need to thaw beforehand; just add them directly during the last cooking stage.
- Ensure the skillet has a tight-fitting lid to properly steam the rice and vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: Honey BBQ chicken, one-pan meal, chicken and rice, easy dinner recipe, skillet chicken, BBQ sauce chicken
