Honey BBQ Chicken Rice – The Best 1-Pan Family Dinner Recipe

Introduction

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken thighs with flavorful rice and a sweet, tangy sauce, it’s a family-friendly dish that’s both comforting and easy to make.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper evenly on all sides.
2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken thighs for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic to create the sauce mixture.
4. Step 4: Using the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
5. Step 5: Add the chicken broth and half of the prepared sauce to the toasted rice. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
6. Step 6: Return the seared chicken thighs to the pan and pour the remaining sauce over the top of the chicken.
7. Step 7: Cover the skillet and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and flavors.
8. Step 8: Add the mixed vegetables (if using), cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
9. Step 9: Remove from heat and let the dish sit, covered, for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the BBQ-honey sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Swap mixed vegetables for fresh bell peppers, corn, or peas depending on what you have on hand.
• Use brown rice for a nuttier flavor, but increase cooking time by about 10-15 minutes and add extra broth as needed.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water 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, you can substitute chicken breasts, but be mindful they cook faster and can dry out more easily. Reduce cooking time accordingly and check for doneness.

Is it necessary to toast the rice before cooking?

Toasting the rice enhances its nutty flavor and improves texture, but you can skip this step if short on time. Just make sure to stir well once broth is added.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice – The Best 1-Pan Family Dinner Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 60 reviews

A delicious and easy one-pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful honey BBQ sauce, combined with perfectly cooked rice and mixed vegetables. This family-friendly dinner comes together in under an hour and is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Rice and Broth

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth

Sauce

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Additional

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional)
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken thighs evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the seasoned chicken thighs. Sear them for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir well to create a flavorful honey BBQ sauce.
4. Toast the Rice: Using the same skillet, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to enhance the nutty flavor.
5. Add Broth and Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and half of the prepared honey BBQ sauce into the skillet with the toasted rice. Stir to combine evenly.
6. Simmer Chicken and Rice: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them on top of the rice. Pour the remaining honey BBQ sauce over the chicken. Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through and the rice to absorb the flavors.
7. Add Vegetables: After 15 minutes, add the mixed vegetables (if using) on top. Cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
8. Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Finally, garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot for a complete, flavorful meal.

Notes

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
• If preferred, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts but adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid dryness.
• Mixed vegetables can include peas, carrots, corn, or bell peppers depending on your preference.
• Using a skillet with a tight-fitting lid helps ensure even cooking and moisture retention.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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