One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice makes for a delicious, no-fuss dinner that’s packed with flavor. Tender chicken thighs are seared and then simmered with rice, a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, and veggies all in one skillet. It’s a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
• Chopped green onions or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: 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 and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. Step 2: 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.
3. Step 3: 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.
4. Step 4: After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice. Cover again and cook for 5 more minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful.
• Swap mixed vegetables for your favorites like bell peppers, corn, or peas.
• Add a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ mixture for a spicy kick.
• For extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika and add a dash of liquid smoke if desired.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of long-grain white rice?

Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook. Increase the simmering time to about 40-45 minutes and add extra broth as needed.

What if I don’t have BBQ sauce on hand?

You can substitute with a mixture of ketchup, a bit of vinegar, honey, and smoked paprika to mimic the sweet and tangy BBQ flavor.

One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 148 reviews

This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make meal combining tender seared chicken thighs with smoky BBQ sauce, sweet honey, and perfectly cooked rice. Enhanced with aromatic spices and mixed vegetables, this dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that requires minimal cleanup.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Season the chicken evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Drizzle some oil into the pan and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until it forms a golden-brown crust. Once seared, remove the chicken and set it aside.
2. Cook the Rice: Using the same pan with the flavorful drippings, add the uncooked long-grain rice. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to enhance its nutty flavor. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey until combined.
3. Simmer Everything Together: Nestle the seared chicken back into the rice mixture in the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer undisturbed for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and the chicken to cook thoroughly.
4. Add the Vegetables: After 15 minutes of simmering, sprinkle the mixed vegetables evenly over the rice. Cover the pan again and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the rice is tender, the vegetables are heated through, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
5. Serve & Garnish: Remove the pan from heat. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice gently with a fork. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty and flavorful one-pan meal.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results, or chicken breasts for leaner protein.
• Toast the rice before adding liquid to boost its flavor and texture.
• Adjust seasoning and BBQ sauce quantity depending on your taste preference for sweetness or smokiness.
• Frozen mixed vegetables can be substituted with fresh seasonal vegetables.
• Letting the dish rest after cooking helps the rice finish absorbing moisture and improves texture.
• Ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Keywords: honey BBQ chicken, one-pan meal, chicken and rice, easy dinner, stovetop chicken recipe, weeknight meal