One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious yet simple. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken, flavorful rice, and vibrant veggies all cooked in one pan, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The balance of sweet honey and smoky BBQ sauce creates an irresistible glaze that caramelizes perfectly, making every bite a delightful experience.

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

It was one chilly evening when I first whipped up this recipe. After a long day, I needed something to warm my soul, and this dish did just that. With just one pan and minimal prep time, it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. As the comforting aroma filled my home, I knew I had found a winner. If you’re looking for something quick, budget-friendly, and absolutely scrumptious, give this dish a try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip this up in just 40 minutes from prep to plate.
Irresistible Flavor: A perfect blend of sweet and savory; the chicken gets beautifully caramelized in the honey BBQ sauce.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Vibrant colors from the veggies make it as beautiful as it is tasty!
Flexible Serving: Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or potlucks with friends.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily swap chicken for pork, tofu, or your favorite veggies for a customized meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: This provides the protein base of the dish. Chicken thighs offer more flavor and tenderness, but breasts work just as well if you prefer.
1 cup long-grain rice: A great choice for absorbing the flavors from the broth and sauce while remaining fluffy.
2 cups chicken broth: Adds depth to the rice and keeps it moist while cooking. You can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian option!
½ cup BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for an added kick of flavor. You can opt for spicy BBQ sauce if you like heat.
¼ cup honey: Sweetens the dish and balances the spices in the BBQ sauce. Maple syrup also works as a substitute for a vegan alternative.
1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh): Use your favorites like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrients and vibrant color.
1 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish without the fuss of fresh garlic.
1 tsp onion powder: Adds a nice sweetness and depth to the dish.
½ tsp smoked paprika: This gives a subtle smokiness, perfectly complementing the BBQ sauce.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.

How to Make One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Season with salt and pepper, then sear for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. You want that beautiful color for added flavor!

Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, whisk together ½ cup BBQ sauce and ¼ cup honey in a small bowl. This sweet and tangy mixture is what makes this dish a standout. Once the chicken is seared, pour this glaze generously over it.

Add Rice and Broth: Next, stir in 1 cup long-grain rice and 2 cups chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any bits stuck to the pan. This is where the flavor is! Bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Cook the Rice: Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low, allowing the mixture to cook for about 20 minutes. This step is crucial; it allows the rice to absorb all the delicious liquids and steam to perfection.

Steam the Veggies: In the final 5 minutes of cooking, add 1 cup of mixed vegetables on top of the rice. Cover again to steam the veggies; they’ll cook perfectly without losing their crispness.

Fluff and Serve: After letting the dish sit for 5 minutes off the heat, grab a fork and fluff the rice gently. The aroma at this point will have your stomach rumbling! Serve warm and enjoy every bite.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours or in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you’re storing it long-term, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave for about 3-4 minutes or on low heat on the stove until piping hot, while adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the chicken by keeping an eye on it while searing; you want it to reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
If you prefer brown rice, just ensure to adjust the chicken broth to 2 ½ cups and cook it a bit longer since brown rice takes longer to cook.
For a flavor boost, try adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the broth.
If your rice seems a bit sticky, fluffing it with a fork before serving can help separate the grains.
Feel free to experiment with adding your favorite spices, like cayenne for heat or herbs for freshness.

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delightful meal bursting with flavor and charm. It’s comforting yet versatile, making it ideal for different occasions. From busy weeknights to casual weekend gatherings, it’s sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to mix and match your favorite ingredients, whether that be substituting chicken for tofu or swapping in seasonal vegetables.

You might surprise yourself with what new combinations you can create. Enjoy the process, savor the moments spent in the kitchen, and dig into this scrumptious dish that always brings the family together.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! If you prefer brown rice, just adjust the chicken broth to 2 ½ cups and extend the cooking time. Brown rice generally takes longer to cook, so keep the dish covered until the rice is tender and fully cooked.

What vegetables can I add?

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! You can customize the mixed vegetables based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or even carrots work wonderfully in this dish.

Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy it.

What are some serving suggestions?

This dish is perfect on its own, but if you want to add a little something extra, serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Enjoying it with a few slices of avocado on top just adds a touch of creaminess!

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One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

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

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Description

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice features irresistible flavors, simple preparation, and wholesome ingredients, making it an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying dinner.

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

In a large skillet over medium heat, sear seasoned chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until browned.
Whisk together BBQ sauce and honey in a small bowl; pour over the chicken.
Add rice and chicken broth; stir to combine.
Bring to a simmer; cover and cook on low for about 20 minutes until rice is tender.
During the last 5 minutes of cooking, add mixed vegetables on top to steam.
Let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing rice with a fork and serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the BBQ sauce for an hour before cooking.
Feel free to use your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste with additional salt and pepper.