One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
Introduction
This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a simple, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken thighs cooked in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce combine with fluffy rice and vegetables for a comforting, all-in-one dish.
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 browned chicken in the skillet.
- Step 3: Add the rice and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Step 5: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, scatter the mixed vegetables over the top of the rice 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.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use brown rice instead of long-grain rice, but increase cooking time and liquid accordingly.
- Add a splash of hot sauce if you like extra spice.
- Swap mixed vegetables for your favorites like bell peppers, corn, or peas.
- Use chicken breasts for leaner meat, but be careful not to overcook as they dry out faster.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture.
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, but they cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. Keep an eye on them and adjust cooking time if needed.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just ensure the BBQ sauce you use is gluten-free, as some contain wheat or gluten-containing ingredients.
PrintOne-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make meal that combines tender, seasoned chicken thighs or breasts with aromatic rice cooked in chicken broth and a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce. Mixed vegetables are steamed in during the final cooking minutes, making this dish a complete and convenient dinner option that requires only one skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Carbohydrates
- 1 cup long-grain rice
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey
Vegetables
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, season the chicken thighs or breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through, ensuring a flavorful crust forms.
- Mix the Sauce: Meanwhile, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey in a small bowl until well combined. This mixture will add a sweet and tangy glaze to the chicken.
- Add Sauce to Chicken: Pour the honey BBQ sauce mixture over the seared chicken in the skillet, coating it evenly and allowing the flavors to meld for a minute.
- Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the uncooked long-grain rice and chicken broth into the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Mix well to combine all ingredients and distribute heat evenly.
- Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Steam Vegetables: About 5 minutes before the rice finishes cooking, add the mixed vegetables on top of the chicken and rice. Cover again and allow the vegetables to steam until tender.
- Rest and Serve: Once the rice and vegetables are cooked through, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, mix gently if desired, and serve the dish warm.
Notes
- You can use either chicken thighs or breasts based on your preference; thighs will be juicier and more flavorful.
- Frozen mixed vegetables can be used to save prep time — no need to thaw before adding.
- Adjust the amount of honey or BBQ sauce based on your sweetness and tanginess preferences.
- Ensure the skillet you use has a tight-fitting lid to trap steam for proper rice cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: one-pan, honey BBQ chicken, rice skillet, easy dinner, chicken thighs, mixed vegetables, quick meal
