Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

Category: Chicken Recipes

This Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is a tasty dish that makes dinner a breeze! Juicy chicken cooks right with fluffy rice, all coated in a sweet honey BBQ sauce.

You’ll love how all the flavors blend together without dirtying a bunch of dishes! Plus, it’s ready in no time, so you can spend more moments enjoying your meal and less time cleaning up. Yum!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Thighs or Breasts: I love using thighs for their juiciness, but you can easily swap in breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.

Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal for this recipe. You can substitute with brown rice, but remember it will need more cooking time and liquid—about 2 cups of broth and 30-40 minutes of simmering.

BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for a personal touch. If you’re out, any tangy sauce like teriyaki or a sweet chili sauce can also add great flavor!

Honey: If you’re looking for a different sweetener, try maple syrup or agave nectar. Each brings a unique twist to the dish!

Onion: While I like using yellow onion, you can substitute with red onion or shallots for a slightly different flavor.

How Do I Sear Chicken for the Best Flavor?

Searing chicken adds flavor and a lovely texture. Here’s how to do it properly:

  • Make sure your skillet is hot before adding oil. A little sizzle means you’re on the right track!
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you add too many pieces, they’ll steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed.
  • Flip the chicken just once if possible. This helps it form a nice crust. Cook until the chicken is golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side.

Enjoy the fantastic flavor searing brings before combining everything in the pan! Trust me, it’s worth the extra steps.

Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

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 ¾ cups chicken broth (or water)
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or green onions

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and approximately 30 minutes to cook. Altogether, you’ll be enjoying your meal in about 40 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Season the Chicken:

Start by seasoning the chicken pieces all over with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This seasoning will add fantastic flavor to your dish!

2. Sear the Chicken:

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pan. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they have a golden-brown color but are not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

3. Sauté the Onion:

In the same pan, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes softened and translucent. This adds a lovely base flavor to your dish!

4. Toast the Rice:

Add the rice to the pan with the onions and stir it in. Lightly toast the rice in the oil for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This step enhances the rice’s flavor!

5. Add the Liquid:

In a separate bowl, mix the BBQ sauce and honey with the chicken broth, then pour this mixture into the pan with the rice and onions. Give it a good stir to combine everything well.

6. Combine Chicken and Rice:

Carefully place the seared chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture. Lower the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let everything simmer gently for about 18-20 minutes. You want the rice to be tender and the chicken fully cooked (make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).

7. Rest and Fluff:

Once cooked, remove the pan from heat and let the dish rest for about 5 minutes, still covered. This allows the flavors to meld. After resting, fluff the rice with a fork and spoon some of that delicious honey BBQ sauce over the chicken.

8. Garnish and Serve:

If you want, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions on top for a lovely finish. Now, serve hot and enjoy this easy, delightful meal with minimal cleanup!

Happy cooking!

Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

Can I Substitute the Chicken with Another Protein?

Absolutely! You can use boneless skinless turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly; tofu may need less time, while turkey may need a bit longer.

Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Increase the chicken broth to about 2 cups and simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Definitely! You can prepare all the components up to the cooking step and store them separately in the fridge. Just cook them together when you’re ready to eat, adjusting cook time as needed.

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