One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

This one-pan bold honey BBQ chicken rice is a flavorful and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken thighs cooked in a sweet and smoky sauce mingle with rice and vegetables for a complete dish all in one skillet.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until nicely browned.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey. Pour this mixture over the seared chicken in the skillet.
3. Step 3: Add the rice and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring gently to combine everything evenly.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
5. Step 5: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the mixed vegetables on top of the rice to steam gently.
6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs offer more flavor and remain juicy.
• Swap mixed vegetables with your favorites, such as bell peppers or corn for added color.
• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ-honey mixture.
• Make it gluten-free by choosing a gluten-free BBQ sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or warm gently on the stovetop until heated through, adding 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 brown rice instead of long-grain white rice?

Yes, but you will need to increase the cooking time and liquid amount since brown rice takes longer to cook. Adjust cooking time to about 40-45 minutes and add extra broth as needed.

Can this recipe be made in advance?

Absolutely. Prepare the dish up to the simmering stage, then cool and refrigerate. Reheat covered on low heat, adding a little broth if the rice has dried out.

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 138 reviews

This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe combines tender, juicy chicken thighs or breasts with flavorful BBQ sauce and honey, cooked together with rice and mixed vegetables in a skillet. It’s a convenient, hearty, and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights, offering a perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors in a simple one-pan dish.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Rice and Sauce

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• ¼ cup honey

Vegetables

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)

Instructions

1. Season and Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, season the chicken thighs or breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear them for about 5 minutes on each side until nicely browned to lock in the flavors.
2. Prepare the BBQ Honey Sauce: While the chicken is searing, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey in a small bowl until smooth and combined. Pour this flavorful mixture over the browned chicken in the skillet.
3. Add Rice and Broth: Add the uncooked long-grain rice and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring gently to combine all ingredients evenly around the chicken and to prevent sticking to the pan.
4. Simmer Covered: Bring the mixture to a low simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid and cook over low heat for about 20 minutes or until the rice becomes tender and absorbs the liquid.
5. Add Mixed Vegetables: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, spread the mixed vegetables evenly over the top of the dish to steam gently, adding color and texture to the meal.
6. Rest and Fluff: Once cooking is complete, remove the skillet from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice carefully with a fork to mix the ingredients before serving.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for juicier meat, but breasts work well too if preferred leaner.
• You can substitute mixed vegetables with your favorites such as bell peppers, peas, or corn.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, before serving.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes along with the other spices.
• Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

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