One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delightful dish that manages to deliver a whole lot of flavor without the fuss. The succulent chicken, infused with the sweetness of honey and the smoky undertones of BBQ sauce, beautifully pairs with fluffy rice, making it a one-pan wonder that’s bound to impress. I can still recall the first time I set out to make this dish during a busy weeknight – the aroma that filled my kitchen was heavenly. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cleanup, it quickly became a family favorite.

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

This recipe is not just another meal; it’s a satisfying experience that marries comfort and convenience. Whether you’re looking to whip up something for the family or impress guests with minimal effort, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy on the wallet and even easier on the palate. If you’re ready for something that tastes amazing and leaves everyone asking for seconds, let’s dive into making this One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With only 10 minutes of prep and 40 minutes total cooking time, you’ll have a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Irresistible Flavor: Sweet honey and tangy BBQ sauce combine perfectly, creating a dish bursting with flavor that will make your taste buds dance.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of the mixed vegetables paired with the glistening chicken create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a hearty dinner, delightful lunch leftovers, or even serve it at a casual gathering with friends.
Diet-Friendly Options: Want to switch things up? Feel free to swap chicken for pork or tofu, and customize with your favorite veggies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Chicken thighs offer more juiciness, while breasts are leaner. Choose based on your preference or personal dietary needs.
1 cup long-grain rice: This type of rice holds its texture well; if you prefer, jasmine or basmati work beautifully too.
2 cups chicken broth: Adds flavor to the rice; for a lighter option, use low-sodium broth, or go vegetarian with vegetable broth.
½ cup BBQ sauce: Pick your favorite BBQ sauce to match your taste; it can be sweet, tangy, or smoky.
¼ cup honey: This adds a sweet kick; for a low-sugar alternative, consider agave syrup or maple syrup.
1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh): Bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli all work well—feel free to select whatever is in your fridge.
1 tsp garlic powder: For a wonderful aromatic flavor that complements the dish.
1 tsp onion powder: Creates depth and sweetness; necessary for that “home-cooked” taste.
½ tsp smoked paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness; if you like a spicy bite, try using a spicy BBQ sauce instead.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the primary flavors in this comforting dish.

How to Make One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Sear the Chicken: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Season the 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until they’re a lovely golden-brown.

Whisk the Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, grab a small bowl and whisk together the ½ cup BBQ sauce and ¼ cup honey until smooth. This sweet and savory mixture is what takes this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Combine the Ingredients: Once the chicken is seared, pour the honey BBQ mixture over it, ensuring each piece is coated. Then, add in the 1 cup of long-grain rice and 2 cups of chicken broth. Stir gently to combine everything and avoid clumps.

Bring to a Simmer: Increase the heat slightly until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low, cooking for about 20 minutes. You’ll want the rice to absorb all the flavors and become tender.

Add the Vegetables: With just 5 minutes remaining in the cooking time, sprinkle 1 cup of mixed vegetables on top of the rice without stirring. This steaming process helps the veggies retain their crunch while becoming heated through.

Fluff and Serve: After the timer goes off, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to settle. Finally, remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve warm, ideally with a sprinkle of additional BBQ sauce if desired.

Storing & Reheating

Leftovers of your One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice can be stored at room temperature for up to two hours after cooking. To ensure optimal freshness, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When it’s time to enjoy again, simply reheat on the stove over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Just know that the texture may change slightly upon reheating, but a little extra seasoning can help refresh it!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Always ensure that your pan is hot enough before adding chicken for that perfect sear.
Allow the chicken to rest after cooking for juicier meat.
If your rice is a bit too sticky, try rinsing it before cooking; this removes excess starch.
If you’d like a bit of crunch, toss in some toasted nuts or seeds just before serving.
Plan ahead! This dish holds well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep.

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice ticks all the boxes: it’s simple, budget-friendly, and full of flavor. As you experiment with your own unique twists, this dish can easily adapt to your tastes or whatever’s on hand. Gather your loved ones around the dinner table for a delightful shared meal, and enjoy every bite together!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use pork or tofu instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe is quite versatile, so feel free to swap the chicken with pork for a different flavor profile, or utilize tofu for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly since tofu may need less time, while pork will require thorough cooking.

How can I make this dish spicy?

If you’re a fan of a bit of heat, simply substitute regular BBQ sauce with a spicy variant. Additionally, you can sprinkle in some red pepper flakes with the spices for an extra kick, or add jalapeños to the mix when incorporating vegetables.

How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check if it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have one, just ensure the juices run clear when punctured and that no pink remains inside.

Can I add other vegetables?

Certainly! The beauty of this dish is its flexibility. Feel free to toss in vegetables like zucchini, corn, or snap peas, depending on what you have and enjoy. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly if adding denser vegetables.

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One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

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Author: Dorothy
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 combines tender chicken, sweet honey, and zesty BBQ sauce for an easy, flavorful meal that the whole family will love. Perfect for a quick 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 the seasoned chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until browned.
In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce and honey, then pour this mixture over the chicken.
Add the rice and chicken broth to the skillet; stir to combine all ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender.
During the last 5 minutes of cooking, place mixed vegetables on top to steam.
Allow the dish to sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork and serving.

Notes

For added flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce and honey for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Feel free to swap out the mixed vegetables with your favorites or whatever you have on hand.