One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a simple, flavorful meal that combines tender chicken thighs with sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, all cooked together with rice and vegetables. Perfect for a busy weeknight, it delivers comfort and convenience in one pot.

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: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add a drizzle of oil and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey.
3. Step 3: Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Step 4: After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice. Cover again and cook for 5 more minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs add more flavor and stay juicier.
• If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ mixture.
• Fresh vegetables like bell peppers or corn can be added along with or instead of the mixed vegetables.
• Make sure to toast the rice well for a nuttier flavor and better texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help keep the rice moist when reheating.

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 increase the simmering time and the amount of broth accordingly, as brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more liquid.

What can I substitute for BBQ sauce?

You can use teriyaki sauce, a mix of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, or even a spicy tomato sauce for a different flavor profile.

One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 101 reviews

This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious, easy-to-make meal combining tender seared chicken, flavorful BBQ and honey sauce, and perfectly cooked rice all cooked together in a single skillet. Enhanced with mixed vegetables and simple spices, it’s a comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 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. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add a drizzle of oil and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Rice: In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey.
3. Simmer Everything Together: Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Add the Vegetables: After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice. Cover again and cook for 5 more minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
5. Serve & Garnish: Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot!

Notes

• You can use either chicken thighs or breasts depending on your preference.
• Adjust the level of BBQ sauce and honey to taste for more or less sweetness.
• Frozen mixed vegetables work great and save prep time.
• To ensure chicken is fully cooked, check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Letting the dish rest before serving helps the rice fluff up nicely.

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