One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
Introduction
This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that combines tender chicken with sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, all cooked together with rice and veggies. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a complete dish 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 rice and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring gently to combine with the sauce and chicken.
- 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, evenly spread the mixed vegetables over the top of the rice. Cover again to allow the vegetables to steam.
- Step 6: After cooking, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika and add a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce mixture.
- Swap the mixed vegetables for fresh bell peppers, corn, or peas depending on the season and preference.
- Chicken breasts work well but cooking time may vary slightly; ensure chicken is cooked through before serving.
- If you prefer spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the BBQ sauce blend.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the 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 different types of rice?
Long-grain rice works best for this recipe due to its texture, but you can use jasmine or basmati rice. Adjust the cooking liquid and time as needed, since some rice varieties absorb liquid differently.
Is it okay to use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen mixed vegetables are convenient and work well. Add them towards the end of cooking to ensure they steam properly without becoming mushy.
PrintOne-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken thighs or breasts with smoky BBQ sauce, sweet honey, and perfectly cooked rice. Enhanced with garlic, onion, smoked paprika, and a blend of mixed vegetables, it delivers a balanced, hearty meal prepared all in one skillet, making cleanup simple and convenient.
- 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
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain rice
Liquids & Sauces
- 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
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry, then 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 and cooked through.
- Prepare the Honey BBQ Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey until smooth and well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the seared chicken in the skillet.
- Add Rice and Broth: Pour the uncooked rice and chicken broth into the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Stir gently to combine everything evenly without disturbing the chicken too much.
- Simmer Covered: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add Vegetables: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, evenly sprinkle the mixed vegetables on top of the chicken and rice. Cover again and allow the vegetables to steam and warm through.
- Rest and Serve: Turn off the heat and let the skillet sit, covered, for 5 minutes. After resting, fluff the rice gently with a fork, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are well mixed. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can use either chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option.
- Frozen mixed vegetables work well if fresh are not available; just add them frozen as directed.
- Adjust the honey quantity based on your preferred sweetness level.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder with the spices.
- Make sure to cover the skillet properly to allow rice to cook evenly.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
Keywords: one-pan, honey BBQ chicken, chicken rice, easy dinner, skillet meal, quick recipe, BBQ sauce chicken
