Description
This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and convenient dish that combines juicy chicken thighs or breasts with smoky BBQ sauce, sweet honey, and perfectly cooked long-grain rice. Cooked all in one pan, it delivers a harmonious blend of sweet, smoky, and savory notes with the ease of minimal cleanup. Ideal for a quick dinner or meal prep, this dish is also versatile, allowing you to swap proteins and adjust sweetness to your liking.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Grains:
- 1 cup long-grain rice
Liquids:
- 2 cups chicken broth
Sauces:
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- 1/4 cup honey
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables:
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped green onions or parsley
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add a drizzle of oil to the pan and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Rice: In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey.
- Simmer Everything Together: Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the Vegetables: After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice. Cover again and continue cooking for 5 more minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
- Serve & Garnish: Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot!
Notes
- Use long-grain rice for the best texture—short-grain may become mushy.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey based on your preference.
- For extra smokiness, use a mesquite or hickory BBQ sauce.
- Swap the protein—this recipe works well with shrimp, tofu, or even beef!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, One-Pan Chicken Rice, BBQ chicken recipe, Easy chicken dinner, Stovetop chicken and rice, Honey BBQ sauce, Quick dinner recipes, American chicken dishes
