Welcome to a truly effortless weeknight meal: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice! This incredible dish brings together sweet, smoky, and savory flavors in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Forget complicated recipes; this easy solution promises a hearty and delicious dinner the whole family will love. Get ready to discover your new favorite quick meal.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Quick and Easy: It all comes together in one pan, saving you time on both cooking and cleanup.
- Simple Ingredients: You’ll use everyday pantry staples for this flavorful Honey BBQ Chicken Rice.
- Irresistible Flavor: Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet honey and smoky BBQ sauce with tender chicken and fluffy rice.
- Family Favorite: This comforting and delicious meal is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your evening with this convenient meal.
One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Small bowl
- Tight-fitting lid
- Fork
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice rinsed and drained
- 2 cups chicken broth preferably low-sodium
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce mesquite flavor recommended for extra smokiness
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 cup mixed vegetables frozen or fresh – peas, carrots, corn, and bell peppers work well
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil divided
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
Garnish
- 2-3 green onions thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- BBQ sauce Extra drizzle
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, mix seasonings, and rinse the rice until clear. Ensure all other ingredients are measured and ready.
Cooking Steps
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle half the seasoning over the chicken, then sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown; transfer to a plate.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same pan, then add the rinsed rice and remaining seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice is slightly translucent and toasty.
- Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey, stirring well to combine and scrape up any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- After 15 minutes, add the mixed vegetables evenly over the rice and chicken. Cover immediately and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the pan from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes to absorb liquid and meld flavors. Uncover and gently fluff the rice with a fork, incorporating the vegetables.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce before serving hot.
Notes
Ingredients
To make this delightful Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, gather these simple items:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups chicken broth, preferably low-sodium
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (mesquite flavor recommended for extra smokiness)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh – peas, carrots, corn, and bell peppers work well)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra drizzle of BBQ sauce for serving (optional)
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily customize this one-pan BBQ chicken and rice to fit your preferences. For the chicken, boneless, skinless thighs stay juicier and are more forgiving, while chicken breasts offer a leaner option. Choose a long-grain white rice for the best texture, but brown rice can work with extended cooking time and extra liquid. Select your favorite BBQ sauce; a mesquite or hickory variety adds deep smoky notes, but any brand you love is perfect. Feel free to swap the mixed vegetables for whatever you have on hand, like broccoli florets or chopped zucchini. Adjust seasonings to taste, adding a pinch of cayenne for heat if desired.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools for this easy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. The most crucial piece of equipment is a large skillet or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid, ideally 10-12 inches. You’ll also need a cutting board, a sharp knife for the chicken, and a mixing bowl for seasonings. A fine-mesh strainer is helpful for rinsing the rice. An optional instant-read thermometer helps ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Honey BBQ Chicken Rice:
- Prep Ingredients: If using chicken breasts, cut them into 1-inch cubes or bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs can be left slightly larger. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear, then drain it thoroughly. Measure and prepare all other ingredients for easy assembly.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in your large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sprinkle about half of the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken pieces. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken to the pan in a single layer. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown; it does not need to be cooked through at this stage. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set it aside.
- Toast Rice: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the rinsed and drained rice to the pan along with the remaining seasoning mixture. Stir constantly and cook for 1-2 minutes until the rice grains become slightly translucent around the edges and emit a fragrant, toasty aroma. This step enhances the depth of flavor in your finished dish.
- Add Liquids & Sauce: Carefully pour the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey into the skillet. Be cautious as the liquid may splatter slightly. Stir well to combine all ingredients, making sure to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These bits are full of flavor and will enrich the entire dish. Bring the liquid mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer Chicken & Rice: Return the seared chicken pieces to the pan, nestling them gently into the rice mixture. Cover the skillet tightly with its lid. Allow the dish to simmer undisturbed on low heat for 15 minutes. It is crucial to resist the urge to lift the lid or stir the contents during this time, as doing so releases steam vital for proper rice cooking.
- Add Vegetables: After the initial 15 minutes of simmering, quickly lift the lid. Add the mixed vegetables on top of the rice and chicken, spreading them out evenly across the surface. Replace the lid immediately and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. The rice should be tender, the vegetables heated through, and the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest & Fluff: Remove the pan from the heat, keeping the lid securely in place. Let the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice rest for 5 minutes. This resting period is essential as it allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid, resulting in a perfectly tender and fluffy texture. After resting, uncover the skillet and gently fluff the rice with a fork, carefully incorporating the cooked vegetables.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle the thinly sliced green onions and/or chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh finish. For an extra boost of sweet and smoky flavor, drizzle a small amount of additional BBQ sauce over the dish just before serving. Serve this delightful one-pan BBQ chicken and rice hot, directly from the skillet for a rustic and appealing presentation.
Pro Tips for Success
- Choose Your BBQ Sauce: The quality and flavor of your BBQ sauce significantly impact this dish. Pick a brand you genuinely love for the best Honey BBQ Chicken Rice.
- Don’t Lift the Lid: This is paramount for perfectly cooked rice. Lifting the lid releases steam, which can lead to unevenly cooked or crunchy grains.
- Sear Chicken Properly: Browning the chicken adds a rich, caramelized layer of flavor. Don’t rush this step; it builds the foundation for a delicious meal.
- Always Rest the Rice: Allowing the rice to rest off the heat lets it fully absorb moisture and creates a fluffy, distinct grain texture.
- Check Chicken Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety and optimal tenderness. According to the USDA, all poultry should be cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting Honey BBQ Chicken Rice directly from the skillet for an easy family-style meal. It makes a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a crisp side salad, creamy coleslaw, or a slice of warm cornbread for extra comfort. This dish is truly a fantastic, family-friendly main course for any busy night.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Honey BBQ Chicken Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave individual servings until hot, or gently warm in a covered skillet on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry.
Flavor Variations
Get creative with your one-pan BBQ chicken and rice! For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the skillet with the rice. You can swap out the mixed vegetables for black beans and corn for a Southwestern twist, or use pineapple chunks for a tropical touch. If you prefer a different sauce profile, try teriyaki or a sweet chili sauce instead of BBQ.
Nutrition Facts
Below are the estimated per-serving nutrition facts for this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. Please note these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 425 |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| Total Carbohydrate | 56 g |
| Protein | 28 g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate. It can vary significantly based on ingredients, brands, and cooking methods. For precise dietary information, consider consulting a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, absolutely! Chicken breasts work great, just cut them into 1-inch pieces and monitor cooking time to prevent them from drying out in this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice.
What type of BBQ sauce is best for this recipe?
Choose a BBQ sauce you love. A mesquite or hickory-smoked variety will add a deeper, richer flavor to your one-pan BBQ chicken and rice.
Can this dish be made in an Instant Pot?
While the recipe is designed for a skillet, you can adapt it. Sauté the chicken and rice using the “Sauté” function, then add liquids and cook under high pressure for about 5-7 minutes with a natural release for the rice.
Why is my rice crunchy or too wet?
Crunchy rice often means the lid was lifted or not tight enough, letting steam escape. Too wet rice could be from too much liquid or not enough simmering time.
What other vegetables can I use?
Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli florets, or spinach. Stir in quick-cooking vegetables like spinach at the very end of cooking.
Conclusion
This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice truly delivers on its promise: a delicious, hassle-free meal that brings big flavors without the big mess. It is perfect for busy parents and beginners looking for a reliable, tasty dinner solution. We encourage you to try this sweet, smoky, and savory dish tonight. Enjoy the simplicity and fantastic taste this recipe brings to your table!
