One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken simmers with smoky BBQ sauce and sweet honey, infused into fluffy rice and mixed vegetables—all cooked together 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. 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 this mixture over the browned chicken in the skillet.
3. Step 3: Add the uncooked rice and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir gently to combine all the 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 has absorbed most of the liquid.
5. Step 5: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, spread the mixed vegetables on top of the rice and chicken. Cover again to let the vegetables steam until tender.
6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to mix everything together.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for juicier meat, or breasts if you prefer leaner protein.
• Swap the mixed vegetables with your favorites like bell peppers, corn, or peas.
• For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of chipotle powder along with the smoked paprika.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water before serving.

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 water or broth to prevent drying out.

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 note that brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust cooking accordingly or pre-cook the rice before adding it to the skillet.

Is it possible to make this recipe in the oven?

Absolutely. After searing the chicken, combine all ingredients in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes until the rice is tender.

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 52 reviews

This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious and convenient meal that combines tender, seared chicken thighs tossed in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce with fluffy long-grain rice and mixed vegetables. Cooked entirely in one skillet, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, flavorful dinner without the fuss of multiple pots and pans.

• Author: Tara
• 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
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• ¼ cup honey

Vegetables & Seasonings

• 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. Season and Sear Chicken: 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 nicely browned.
2. Mix BBQ Sauce and Honey: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey until well combined. Pour this mixture over the seared chicken in the skillet.
3. Add Rice and Broth: Add the long-grain rice and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Simmer and Cook Rice: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat for approximately 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
5. Add Vegetables: About 5 minutes before the cooking time ends, add the mixed vegetables on top of the rice and chicken. Cover and allow the vegetables to steam and cook through.
6. Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork to mix everything slightly and serve warm.

Notes

• You can use either chicken thighs for juicier meat or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
• Frozen mixed vegetables work just as well as fresh ones and save prep time.
• Adjust seasoning and BBQ sauce quantity according to your spice and sweetness preference.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ mixture.
• For a gluten-free version, verify the BBQ sauce is gluten-free.

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