One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a simple and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken and fragrant rice cook together in a savory-sweet honey BBQ sauce, creating a delicious all-in-one dish with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Oil for sautéing (optional)
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup BBQ sauce of your choice (honey BBQ recommended)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and pepper. Thighs provide more flavor and moisture, while breasts offer a leaner option.
2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil if using. Sear the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked, as it will finish cooking with the rice.
3. Step 3: Stir in the rice and toast it for about 1 minute to enhance flavor and help maintain a good texture.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits, and bring to a light boil.
5. Step 5: Mix in the BBQ sauce evenly, creating a bold and savory-sweet base that infuses the rice with flavor.
6. Step 6: Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and slice or shred the chicken as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, try using smoked paprika in the seasoning or add a splash of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce.
• Swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer a leaner dish, but watch cooking times carefully to avoid dryness.
• Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or onions before adding the rice to boost nutrition and texture.
• If you want a spicier kick, mix in a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper with the BBQ sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but holds up well for quick next-day meals.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?

Long-grain rice works best because it cooks evenly and stays fluffy. Using short-grain or brown rice will require different cooking times and liquid amounts.

What if I don’t have honey BBQ sauce?

You can use any BBQ sauce you have on hand. For a sweeter note, add a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar to regular BBQ sauce to mimic the honey BBQ flavor.

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 129 reviews

This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken thighs or breasts with savory-sweet honey BBQ sauce and perfectly cooked long-grain rice. Prepared entirely in one skillet, this meal is both convenient and delicious, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

• Author: Daniel
• 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

Seasonings & Sauces

• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (honey BBQ recommended)

Staples

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Oil for sautéing (optional, about 1 tablespoon)

Instructions

1. Prep and Season the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken thighs or breasts generously with salt and pepper. Choose thighs for more moisture and flavor, or breasts for a leaner option.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil to prevent sticking. Once the oil is hot, sear the chicken pieces for 5–7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this stage as it will finish cooking with the rice.
3. Add the Rice: Stir the long-grain rice into the skillet with the seared chicken. Toast the rice for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to enhance its flavor and help keep the grains separate after cooking.
4. Pour in the Broth: Pour 2 cups of chicken broth into the skillet, scraping the bottom to loosen any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
5. Mix in BBQ Sauce: Stir in ½ cup of honey BBQ sauce evenly throughout the skillet. This will create a bold and savory-sweet base that will flavor both the chicken and the rice.
6. Simmer: Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and let everything simmer gently for 20–25 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the liquid and cook until tender, while the chicken finishes cooking.
7. Fluff and Serve: Once cooking is complete, remove the skillet from heat. Fluff the rice with a fork, then slice or shred the chicken as desired. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious combination of honey BBQ chicken and flavorful rice.

Notes

• Using boneless chicken thighs will yield a more tender and juicy result compared to breasts.
• Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce according to your taste preference for sweetness and tang.
• For extra heat, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes when mixing in the BBQ sauce.
• Make sure the skillet has a tight-fitting lid to ensure even simmering and prevent steam from escaping.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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