This Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is a tasty dinner made in just one pot! It features juicy chicken, sticky honey BBQ sauce, and fluffy rice all cooked together.
I love how easy this dish is! Just throw everything in the pan, let it cook, and enjoy a delicious meal without making a big mess. Plus, who doesn’t love barbecue flavors? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using chicken thighs for the juiciness, but chicken breasts work well too. If you’re looking for a healthier option, boneless, skinless chicken breast is a great substitute.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce here! If you want a healthier option, consider a sugar-free or low-sugar BBQ sauce. Homemade BBQ sauce can also be a fun alternative if you’re feeling adventurous.
Honey: Honey adds a lovely sweetness. If you need a substitute, maple syrup or agave syrup can work just as well.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect for this recipe, but you can swap it with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist. Just remember that the cooking time may vary, so check package instructions!
How Do I Perfectly Cook the Chicken?
Getting your chicken just right is key to this dish! Start by seasoning the chicken well; this adds flavor upfront. Browning the chicken in the pan creates a nice crust.
- Heat the oil until hot, then add seasoned chicken and sear both sides for 3-4 minutes.
- Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through; it will finish cooking in the rice later!
This technique will not only lock in moisture but also give a nice flavor base for your dish. Enjoy the process! Follow these steps, and you’ll have tender, delicious chicken for your one-pan meal.
Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 35 minutes in total. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes on prep and about 20-25 minutes on cooking. It’s a quick, stress-free meal that brings big flavors without much effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season Your Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Make sure to coat them evenly for great flavor!
2. Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown but not cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for now.
3. Sauté the Onions:
Using the same pan, add the finely chopped onion. Cook for about 2 minutes or until the onions become soft and fragrant. This will add even more flavor to your dish!
4. Toast the Rice:
Add the rice to the pan with the onions. Stir it around for about a minute. This light toasting helps bring out the nuttiness of the rice.
5. Combine the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the chicken broth, barbecue sauce, and honey. This combination is what makes the dish sweet and tangy!
6. Pour in the Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the rice, stirring to combine everything nicely.
7. Add the Chicken:
Carefully nestle the partially cooked chicken pieces back into the pan on top of the rice mixture. This way, they will soak up all the flavors as they finish cooking!
8. Simmer Away:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
9. Add the Cheese:
If you’re using cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheddar on top during the last few minutes of cooking. Cover it again to let the cheese melt beautifully on top!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once everything is cooked, remove the pan from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh touch before serving. Enjoy your delicious, easy one-pan honey BBQ chicken and rice!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking. The best way to thaw is to place it in the refrigerator overnight or submerge it (in a sealed bag) in cold water for a quick thaw. This helps ensure even cooking during the searing and simmering steps.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything in advance, such as seasoning the chicken and mixing the sauce. Just store each component in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply follow the cooking instructions and add a few extra minutes if starting from cold.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or gently warm on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to keep it juicy!
Can I Customize the Rice?
Yes! Feel free to swap the long-grain white rice for brown rice or quinoa. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Check package instructions for the right water-to-rice ratio and adjust your cooking time accordingly.
