One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delightful dish that delivers a wholesome meal without the fuss of multiple pots and pans. Imagine biting into succulent chicken infused with the sweet and tangy notes of BBQ sauce, layered over fluffy rice and vibrant veggies, all cooked to perfection in a single pan. This dish not only satisfies your cravings but also infuses your kitchen with an appetizing aroma that makes it feel like home.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

I first stumbled upon this recipe during a busy weeknight, trying to whip up something quick yet satisfying. The idea of everything cooking together seamlessly appealed to me, and soon enough, it became a staple in our household. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this one-pan wonder never fails to impress. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and offers the flexibility to swap out chicken for pork or tofu, making it accessible for everyone. I wholeheartedly invite you to try this easy, flavorful dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish is a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of BBQ sauce and honey creates a sweet and tangy masterpiece that your taste buds will adore.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful mixed vegetables make this dish not only tasty but also visually appealing.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion, be it a cozy dinner or a lively potluck.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easy substitutions like pork or tofu adapt to various dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Tender cuts that cook quickly and absorb flavors well; can substitute with pork or tofu for a different twist.
1 cup long-grain rice: Provides a fluffy base that soaks up all the delicious juices; stick with long-grain for best texture.
2 cups chicken broth: Infuses the rice with flavor, making it rich and satisfying; vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.
½ cup BBQ sauce: Adds the quintessential sweet and tangy flavor; feel free to choose your favorite brand, or make your own for a personalized touch.
¼ cup honey: Balances the barbecue sauce with natural sweetness; maple syrup can be an alternative for a different sweet profile.
1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh): Adds nutritional value and color; bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas work wonderfully.
1 tsp garlic powder: Elevates the flavor with a savory hint; fresh garlic can be used instead for a punch of flavor.
1 tsp onion powder: Complements the savory components; fresh onions can be diced and sautéed for more depth.
½ tsp smoked paprika: Introduces a subtle smokiness; if you like a bit of heat, try using smoked chipotle powder.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish, adjust according to your preference.

How to Make One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the seasoned chicken thighs or breasts to your preheated pan. Sear for about 5 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully browned. This step locks in those juicy flavors and gives the chicken a pleasing texture.

Whisk Together Sauces: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup BBQ sauce and ¼ cup honey. This mixture is what makes this dish truly pop with flavor! Pour it over the seared chicken, allowing it to coat every piece.

Add Rice and Broth: Now it’s time to introduce 1 cup of long-grain rice and 2 cups of chicken broth to the pan. Stir gently to combine everything well—this ensures the rice absorbs all those delightful flavors while cooking.

Simmer and Cover: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover your skillet with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 20 minutes. During this time, resist the urge to lift the lid, as this traps steam and cooks the rice perfectly!

Steam the Veggies: Just 5 minutes before the cooking time ends, sprinkle 1 cup of mixed vegetables over the rice without stirring. Cover again and let the steam work its magic on the veggies, cooking them until tender and vibrant.

Fluff and Serve: After a 5-minute resting period, use a fork to fluff the rice gently. This is the moment where you get to reveal all the lovely colors and delicious scents—it’s time to dig in!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers at room temperature, keep them in a sealed container for no more than 2 hours. For refrigeration, transfer to an airtight container where they can stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze your One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, portion it in freezer-safe bags or containers, where it can be stored for up to 3 months. When reheating, pop it in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until heated through. Keep in mind that while the flavor remains vibrant, the texture of the rice may soften slightly.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the chicken by ensuring your skillet is preheated properly before adding the meat.
For added nutrition, mix in some leafy greens like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
Timing is essential—check your chicken for doneness with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F.
If the rice seems too dry while cooking, add a splash more broth as necessary.
Experiment with different veggies based on what’s in season or what you have on hand!

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a versatile and satisfying dish that caters to your culinary creativity. It simplifies meal prep and brings a burst of flavor to your table. The blend of BBQ sweetness and the savory chicken creates warmth and comfort, making it a perfect dish for any time of the year.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! However, keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time. Use about 2½ cups of chicken broth and simmer for 40-45 minutes to ensure it cooks properly.

What can I substitute for BBQ sauce?

Feel free to experiment with different sauces! Teriyaki sauce or a homemade honey mustard glaze can add a unique twist while still keeping it delicious.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare everything, including searing the chicken and combining the sauces. Store them separately in the fridge and cook them just before serving for a fresh meal.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

Swap out the chicken with firm tofu or jackfruit to maintain the texture while using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also toss in a variety of your favorite vegetables.

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One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 1x
Category: One Pot
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

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Description

This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice offers an irresistible combination of tender chicken, sweet honey, and hearty rice, making it a perfect choice for a quick, homemade dinner that satisfies your cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup bbq sauce
¼ cup honey
1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and sear the seasoned chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until browned.
In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce and honey, then pour it over the chicken.
Add the rice and chicken broth, stirring to combine everything well.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low; cook for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
During the last 5 minutes of cooking, place mixed vegetables on top to steam them lightly.
After cooking, let the dish sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork and serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, feel free to marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for an hour before cooking.
You can substitute the mixed vegetables with your favorite fresh options like bell peppers or broccoli.
This dish is great for leftovers and reheats well in the microwave.