One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
