One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
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
Protein:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Grains:
Liquids:
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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