One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken thighs simmered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce with tender rice and veggies make a satisfying dinner all in one skillet.

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. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and 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 this mixture over the browned chicken in the skillet.
3. Step 3: Add the rice and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring gently to combine all ingredients 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 liquid is absorbed.
5. Step 5: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, spread the mixed vegetables over the top of the rice and chicken to steam under the lid.
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 breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs will keep the dish juicier and more flavorful.
• Swap mixed vegetables for fresh diced bell peppers, corn, or peas according to your preference.
• For extra smoky flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke or chipotle powder to the BBQ sauce mixture.
• If you like a bit of heat, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the honey BBQ sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water if the rice seems dry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and possibly more liquid. Adjust cooking time accordingly and ensure the rice is tender before serving.

What if I don’t have BBQ sauce on hand?

You can substitute with a mixture of ketchup, a little vinegar, brown sugar, and smoked paprika to mimic BBQ sauce flavors. Adjust sweetness and tanginess to taste.

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 64 reviews

This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and convenient dish combining tender seared chicken thighs, smoky barbecue sauce, and sweet honey cooked with long-grain rice and mixed vegetables all in one skillet. It’s perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that requires minimal cleanup and delivers balanced, satisfying flavors in just 40 minutes.

• 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

Liquids and Sauces

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

Vegetables

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)

Spices and Seasonings

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

Instructions

1. Season and Sear Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, season the chicken thighs or breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until the exterior is golden brown and slightly crispy.
2. Prepare Honey BBQ Sauce: While the chicken sears, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey in a small bowl until well combined. Pour this sweet and tangy mixture evenly over the seared chicken in the skillet.
3. Add Rice and Broth: Add the uncooked long-grain rice to the skillet, then pour in the chicken broth. Stir gently to combine the rice with the sauce and broth, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
4. Simmer and Cook Rice: Bring the skillet to a gentle simmer, then cover with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and let everything cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
5. Steam Vegetables: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the mixed vegetables evenly over the top without stirring, then cover again to steam them along with the rice and chicken.
6. Rest and Serve: Once cooking is complete, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to finish steaming. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve the dish warm.

Notes

• You can use either chicken thighs or breasts depending on your preference; thighs provide more juiciness while breasts are leaner.
• Frozen mixed vegetables work well and save prep time, but fresh veggies can add extra crunch and color.
• Adjust BBQ sauce and honey quantities to taste if you prefer sweeter or tangier flavors.
• If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika can be substituted, though smoky depth may be milder.
• Ensure the skillet has a tight-fitting lid to properly steam the rice and vegetables.
• For a gluten-free meal, ensure the BBQ sauce is certified gluten free.

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