One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice Recipe

Introduction

This One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice is a perfect blend of smoky heat and sweet honey flavors, all cooked together for a fuss-free meal. Tender chicken thighs or breasts are baked with fragrant basmati rice and zucchini, creating a comforting and flavorful dinner in just one dish.

Ingredients

• 6 chicken thighs or breasts (skin on or off)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1-2 tablespoons chopped chipotle in adobo
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 3/4 cups dry basmati rice
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 cups sliced or chopped zucchini
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Sea salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, toss together the chicken, olive oil, parmesan cheese, chopped chipotle in adobo, smoked paprika, onion powder, chopped garlic, lemon zest, sea salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Pour the dry basmati rice and the sliced zucchini into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour 2 cups of water over them, then add the salted butter on top.
4. Step 4: Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces evenly over the rice and zucchini mixture.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is fully cooked. If the rice feels undercooked or hard, add 1/3 cup more water, cover loosely, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
6. Step 6: While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce by warming honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until well combined and heated through.
7. Step 7: When the chicken and rice are done, spoon half of the warm sauce over the chicken.
8. Step 8: Serve the chicken, rice, and zucchini topped with fresh basil leaves and extra honey sauce on the side. Enjoy your flavorful one-pan meal!

Tips & Variations

• Use boneless or bone-in chicken depending on preference; bone-in adds more flavor but takes slightly longer to cook.
• For a milder dish, reduce the amount of chipotle and cayenne pepper or omit the hot sauce.
• Substitute zucchini with chopped bell peppers or asparagus for seasonal variation.
• Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving brightens the flavors.
• Make sure to use a baking dish with a tight-fitting lid or cover with foil to keep moisture in while cooking the rice.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat to keep the chicken moist. If the rice feels dry after reheating, add a splash of water before warming.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of basmati?

Yes, white rice can be used, but cooking times may vary slightly. Keep an eye on the rice and add extra water if needed to ensure it cooks fully.

Is it necessary to use chipotle in adobo for this recipe?

Chipotle in adobo adds a smoky and spicy depth, but you can substitute it with smoked paprika and a dash of hot sauce if unavailable.

One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 219 reviews

This One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish combining tender baked chicken thighs with fragrant basmati rice, zucchini, and a spicy-sweet chipotle honey sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, it cooks all in one dish for minimal cleanup while delivering a delicious balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
• Total Time: 55-65 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion

Ingredients

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Chicken and Marinade

• 6 chicken thighs or breasts (skin on or off)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1–2 tablespoons chopped chipotle in adobo
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• Sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Main Dish

• 1 3/4 cups dry basmati rice
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 cups sliced or chopped zucchini
• 2 cups water (plus extra if needed)

Chipotle Honey Sauce

• 1/2 cup honey
• 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1–3 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
• 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken thighs or breasts with olive oil, grated parmesan, chopped chipotle in adobo, smoked paprika, onion powder, chopped garlic, lemon zest, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss well to fully coat each piece of chicken with the marinade.
2. Assemble Rice and Vegetables: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the dry basmati rice evenly. Add the sliced or chopped zucchini on top of the rice. Pour 2 cups of water evenly over the rice and zucchini, then dot with the salted butter to enhance the flavor and texture during baking.
3. Add Chicken and Bake: Arrange the marinated chicken pieces over the rice and zucchini mixture. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
4. Check and Adjust Rice Cooking: If after 40 minutes the rice is still hard, pour an additional 1/3 cup of water evenly over the dish, then continue baking for another 10 minutes to ensure the rice softens perfectly.
5. Prepare Chipotle Honey Sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, and a pinch of sea salt in a small saucepan. Warm the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is well combined and heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
6. Serve: When the chicken and rice dish is done, remove it from the oven. Spoon half of the warm chipotle honey sauce over the chicken pieces. Serve the dish plated with the remaining sauce on the side or drizzled on top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired for added freshness and aroma. Enjoy your flavorful one-pan meal!

Notes

• If you prefer less spicy, reduce the chipotle in adobo and cayenne pepper quantities.
• Skin-on chicken thighs provide more moisture and flavor, but skinless works well too.
• You can swap basmati rice for jasmine or long-grain white rice, adjusting water accordingly.
• Using a tight-fitting lid or covering the baking dish with foil can help steam the rice evenly if desired.
• Fresh basil is optional but adds nice herbal brightness to the finished dish.
• Make sure chicken reaches safe internal temperature (165°F) before serving.

Keywords: chipotle honey chicken, one pan chicken and rice, baked chicken thighs, spicy honey chicken, easy chicken dinner, basmati rice recipe, chili honey sauce