One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and easy meal that combines tender chicken with sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, all cooked together with rice and vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a satisfying dish that requires 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

1. 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.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey. Pour the mixture over the seared chicken in the skillet.
3. Step 3: Add the rice and chicken broth to the skillet and stir gently to combine everything evenly.
4. 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.
5. Step 5: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the mixed vegetables on top of the rice and chicken. Cover again to allow the vegetables to steam.
6. 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

• Use chicken thighs for juicier results or breasts for a leaner option.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like extra heat in your dish.
• Swap mixed vegetables with your favorites like bell peppers, peas, or corn.
• For a smoky flavor boost, try using smoked BBQ sauce or add a liquid smoke drop.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of long-grain white rice?

Yes, but since brown rice takes longer to cook, you will need to increase the cooking time and add extra broth accordingly. Usually, about 40-45 minutes simmering is needed.

What can I substitute for chicken broth?

You can use vegetable broth, water, or a bouillon cube dissolved in water as a substitute for chicken broth. Keep in mind that broth adds more flavor than water alone.

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 68 reviews

A hearty and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender honey BBQ chicken thighs cooked with long-grain rice and mixed vegetables in a savory chicken broth. This easy skillet dinner combines sweet and smoky flavors with a perfectly cooked rice base, making it an ideal weeknight recipe that requires minimal cleanup.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Rice and Vegetables

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)

Liquids and Sauces

• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• ¼ cup honey

Seasonings

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Sear the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until it is nicely browned and sealed, developing rich flavor.
2. Prepare the sauce: While the chicken is searing, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey in a small bowl to create a bold and sweet glaze.
3. Add sauce to chicken: Pour the honey BBQ sauce mixture over the browned chicken in the skillet, coating it evenly to infuse the flavors.
4. Add rice and broth: Stir the uncooked long-grain rice into the skillet, then add the chicken broth. Mix gently to combine the ingredients without disturbing the chicken too much.
5. Simmer the dish: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 20 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the broth and become tender.
6. Steam vegetables: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the mixed vegetables on top of the rice and chicken. Cover and let the vegetables steam until just tender.
7. Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork to mix in the vegetables and serve the chicken and rice hot.

Notes

• You can use chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference; thighs will be juicier and more flavorful.
• If using frozen vegetables, no need to thaw beforehand; they will steam perfectly during the last few minutes.
• Adjust the level of honey and BBQ sauce to taste for a sweeter or tangier profile.
• Covered skillet cooking ensures the rice cooks evenly and steams the vegetables simultaneously.
• Serve with a side of fresh greens or a light salad for a balanced meal.

Keywords: Honey BBQ chicken, one pan meal, chicken and rice recipe, easy dinner, skillet chicken, BBQ sauce, honey glaze, weeknight dinner