One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is an easy, flavorful meal that combines tender chicken with sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, all cooked together with fluffy rice. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty dinner without the fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat it with the oil, onion, and garlic.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
5. Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice mixture. Cover and reduce heat to low.
6. Step 6: Cook covered for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken breasts for a leaner option or thighs for juicier meat.
• For extra veggies, add chopped bell peppers or peas along with the onions.
• If you like a spicier kick, mix in some smoked paprika or chili powder to the rice.
• Substitute BBQ sauce with your favorite homemade version to control sweetness and flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet or microwave to keep the chicken moist. Add a splash of water or broth if the rice seems dry during 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 brown rice will require longer cooking time and more liquid, so adjust accordingly and check the rice for doneness as it cooks.

Is it okay to use skin-on chicken?

You can use skin-on chicken, but you may want to brown it skin-side down first for extra crispiness, then cook through as directed. Adjust seasoning and cooking time as needed.

One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 64 reviews

One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken thighs cooked with savory honey BBQ sauce and fluffy rice all in one pan. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe combines sweet, smoky, and hearty elements for a satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup.

• Author: Nora
• 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

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley or green onions

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry with paper towels and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly on both sides.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Add rice: In the same pan, add the uncooked long-grain rice and toast it lightly for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat the rice with the chicken fat and oil from the pan.
4. Combine liquids and sauce: Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth (or water) and the honey BBQ sauce into the pan, stirring to mix well with the rice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Cook together: Return the seared chicken pieces to the pan, nestling them into the rice mixture. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
6. Rest and garnish: Remove the pan from heat, let it rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.

Notes

• You can use chicken breasts, but thighs tend to stay more tender and juicy.
• If you prefer spicier flavors, add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce mixture.
• Be sure to use a pan with a tight lid to ensure the rice cooks evenly with the steam.
• For a lower-carb option, substitute cauliflower rice and adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.

Keywords: one-pan, honey BBQ chicken, chicken and rice, easy weeknight dinner, stovetop chicken recipe