One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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