Print

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

4.2 from 74 reviews

This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal perfect for weeknights. Tender chicken thighs infused with a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce cook alongside long-grain rice and mixed vegetables in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze. The combination of spices and the balance of savory and sweet flavors create a delicious, hearty dish the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

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 Vegetables

  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)

Sauce

  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • ¼ cup honey

Instructions

  1. Season and Sear Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry and season both sides evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the chicken. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until it is nicely browned and develops a flavorful crust.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey in a small bowl until well combined. Pour this sweet and tangy mixture over the seared chicken in the skillet.
  3. Add Rice and Broth: Pour the long-grain rice and chicken broth into the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Stir gently to mix everything together evenly and distribute the rice throughout the liquid.
  4. Simmer and Cook Rice: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook undisturbed for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  5. Add Vegetables: When there are about 5 minutes left on the cooking time, scatter the mixed vegetables over the top. Cover the skillet again to allow the vegetables to steam and cook through during the final minutes.
  6. Rest and Serve: After cooking, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. This resting period helps to finish cooking the rice evenly. Fluff the rice with a fork just before serving and enjoy the hearty, flavorful dish.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for a juicier dish or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
  • If using frozen vegetables, no need to thaw before adding.
  • You can substitute BBQ sauce with your preferred brand or homemade version for different flavor profiles.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste before cooking, especially salt and pepper.
  • Ensure the skillet you use has a tight-fitting lid for effective simmering and steaming.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix.

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