One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and comforting meal that comes together quickly with minimal cleanup. Tender chicken thighs cooked with a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce marry perfectly with fluffy rice and vegetables, making it an easy dinner the whole family will love.

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 with the sauce and chicken.
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.
5. Step 5: About 5 minutes before the rice finishes cooking, add the mixed vegetables on top to steam while everything finishes cooking together.
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 thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat, but breasts work well if you prefer leaner cuts.
• Swap mixed vegetables for fresh diced bell peppers, corn, or peas based on what you have on hand.
• For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder to the seasoning mix.

Storage

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

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust cooking time accordingly and make sure the rice is fully cooked before serving.

What other sauces can I use if I don’t have BBQ sauce?

You can substitute with teriyaki sauce, a mixture of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, or even a tomato-based salsa for a different flavor twist.

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 107 reviews

This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe combines tender, seared chicken thighs with flavorful BBQ sauce and honey, cooked together with rice and mixed vegetables. A hearty, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, bringing sweet and smoky flavors all in one skillet.

• Author: Windy
• 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

Chicken & Seasonings

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Rice & Sauce

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• ¼ cup honey

Vegetables

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)

Instructions

1. Season and Sear Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry and season both sides evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the chicken, searing each side for about 5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
2. Prepare Honey BBQ Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey until smooth and combined. Pour this mixture over the seared chicken in the skillet, coating it evenly.
3. Add Rice and Broth: Add the long-grain rice and chicken broth directly into the skillet. Stir gently to combine the rice and broth with the sauce and chicken, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed.
4. Simmer Covered: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
5. Steam Vegetables: During the final 5 minutes of cooking, add the mixed vegetables on top of the rice and chicken. Cover again and allow the vegetables to steam and heat through.
6. Rest and Fluff: Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, uncover and fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for juicier meat, or breasts if preferred.
• You can substitute long-grain rice with jasmine or basmati for a different aroma and texture.
• Frozen mixed vegetables work well and save prep time.
• Adjust honey quantity to make the dish sweeter or more tangy as desired.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
• Make sure to keep the skillet covered during cooking to properly steam the rice and vegetables.

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