One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken thighs cooked with savory spices, sweet honey, and tangy BBQ sauce, served over fluffy rice with mixed vegetables—all made in a single pan for minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
• Chopped green onions or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the chicken thighs or breasts.
2. Step 2: Heat a large pan over medium heat and add a little oil. Place the chicken in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same pan, add the rice and toast it lightly for 1-2 minutes while stirring, to enhance flavor.
4. Step 4: Stir in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey until well combined. Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture.
5. Step 5: Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Step 6: After 15 minutes, add the mixed vegetables on top of the rice and chicken. Cover again and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the rice is tender, chicken is cooked through, and vegetables are warmed.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika and a BBQ sauce with a smoky profile.
• Substitute white rice with brown rice, but increase cooking time and broth accordingly.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes for some heat if you like a spicy twist.
• Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but adjust cooking time to avoid drying out.

Storage

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

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, feel free to use any vegetables you like or have on hand such as bell peppers, corn, or green beans. Fresh or frozen both work well.

What if I don’t have BBQ sauce?

You can substitute BBQ sauce with a mix of ketchup, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, and a little brown sugar or honey for sweetness to mimic the flavor.

One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 75 reviews

This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a simple, flavorful, and convenient meal that combines tender chicken, smoky BBQ sauce with a hint of honey, and perfectly cooked rice all in one pan. With just a few basic ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious homemade dinner without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.

• Author: Isabella
• 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

Grains:

• 1 cup long-grain rice

Liquids:

• 2 cups chicken broth

Sauces:

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
• 1/4 cup honey

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables:

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)

Garnish (Optional):

• Chopped green onions or parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs or breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This ensures the chicken is flavorful throughout.
2. Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet or pan, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the mixed vegetables and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. This incorporates the veggies’ flavors into the base.
4. Add Rice and Liquids: Add the uncooked long-grain rice to the pan and stir well with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey, stirring until combined.
5. Return Chicken to Pan: Place the browned chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pan.
6. Simmer and Cook: Let everything simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender, liquid is absorbed, and chicken is cooked through.
7. Rest and Garnish: Remove from heat and let the pan rest covered for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving for added freshness and color.

Notes

• You can use either chicken thighs or breasts depending on your preference; thighs will be juicier and more flavorful, while breasts are leaner.
• Adjust the amount of honey or BBQ sauce based on your desired sweetness or tanginess.
• If using frozen mixed vegetables, no need to thaw them before cooking.
• Make sure to cover the pan tightly during simmering to cook the rice properly.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Keywords: one pan, honey BBQ chicken, chicken rice recipe, easy weeknight dinner, skillet chicken, BBQ chicken