One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and easy weeknight meal that combines tender chicken with sweet and tangy BBQ sauce over perfectly cooked rice. With just one pan, it’s both convenient and delicious, making cleanup a breeze.

The image shows a black bowl filled with cooked rice as the base layer, with a light brown color and slightly separated grains. On top, there are many pieces of glazed chicken cut into small chunks, with a shiny dark brown sauce coating, some parts more caramelized for texture contrast. Small green herbs are sprinkled over the chicken, adding fresh color accents. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the focus is close-up, highlighting the glossy texture of the chicken and the fluffy rice underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
  • Chopped green onions or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add a drizzle of oil and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey.
  3. Step 3: Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Step 4: After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice. Cover again and cook for 5 more minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

  • Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs stay moister and more flavorful.
  • Swap mixed vegetables for your favorites like bell peppers or corn to customize the dish.
  • For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked chipotle powder to the seasoning.
  • If using fresh vegetables, add them in with the rice at the beginning for softer texture.

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 broth to keep the rice moist. Avoid freezing to maintain the best texture.

How to Serve

A close-up of a black pan filled with a base layer of cooked rice, light brown and fluffy, covering the entire pan bottom. On top, there are many pieces of glazed chicken, each piece showing a shiny dark brown sauce with caramelized edges and a tender, golden-brown texture underneath. Small green herb leaves are sprinkled evenly over the chicken, adding a fresh contrast to the warm tones. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with soft natural light enhancing the glossy look of the sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of long-grain rice?

Yes, but you will need to increase the cooking time and liquid amount, as brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more liquid. Adjust accordingly and check for doneness.

What type of BBQ sauce works best?

Choose a BBQ sauce that you enjoy—whether sweet, smoky, or spicy—as it will define the flavor of the dish. Experiment with homemade or store-bought varieties to find your favorite.

Print
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One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe


  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This one-pan honey BBQ chicken rice recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with flavorful BBQ sauce and sweet honey, all cooked together with rice and mixed vegetables for an easy, wholesome meal prepared in a single skillet.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Grains:

  • 1 cup long-grain rice

Liquids:

  • 2 cups chicken broth

Sauces:

  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
  • 1/4 cup honey

Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables:

  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)

Garnish (Optional):

  • Chopped green onions or parsley

Instructions

  1. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add a drizzle of oil and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  2. Cook the Rice: In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey.
  3. Simmer Everything Together: Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Add the Vegetables: After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice. Cover again and cook for 5 more minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
  5. Serve & Garnish: Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot!

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for leaner protein.
  • Adjust seasoning according to taste preference.
  • Frozen mixed vegetables can be used directly; no need to thaw.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
  • Letting the dish rest before serving helps the rice absorb excess moisture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

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

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