One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is a flavorful and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken thighs cooked with honey BBQ sauce, rice, and mixed vegetables create a satisfying dinner all in one skillet.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add the rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to enhance its flavor.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, honey BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Step 4: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and return the chicken to the skillet. Add the frozen mixed vegetables on top of the chicken and rice. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
5. Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, try using smoked sausage instead of chicken thighs.
• Swap frozen mixed vegetables with fresh ones if preferred; just add a few minutes to the cooking time.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice, but increase the simmering time to about 40-45 minutes.
• If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with 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 chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may cook faster and be less juicy. Watch the cooking time closely to avoid drying out.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 117 reviews

• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish combining tender, juicy chicken thighs with savory honey BBQ sauce and perfectly cooked rice. Enhanced with a medley of frozen mixed vegetables, garlic, onion, and smoked paprika, this comforting meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that requires minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Rice and Vegetables

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

Garnish

• Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs evenly with salt and black pepper. Place the chicken thighs in the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside safely.
2. Toast the Rice: In the same skillet, add the uncooked rice. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the rice slightly, which will bring out a nuttier flavor and enhance the overall dish.
3. Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and honey BBQ sauce. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika over the mixture, then stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly. Bring this mixture to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat.
4. Simmer with Chicken and Vegetables: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Nestle the cooked chicken thighs back into the skillet on top of the rice. Evenly distribute the frozen mixed vegetables over the chicken and rice. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender.
5. Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and leave it covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to finish steaming. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

• Make sure to keep the heat low when simmering to prevent burning the rice at the bottom of the pan.
• You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs tend to stay juicier.
• Use a skillet with a lid that fits well to ensure proper steaming of the rice and vegetables.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli for variety.
• Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, One-Pan Meal, Chicken and Rice, Easy Dinner, Quick Weeknight Recipe, Skillet Dinner