One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
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.
- Author: Ava
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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