One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a simple, flavorful, and hearty meal that brings together juicy chicken thighs, savory rice, and a bold BBQ sauce all cooked in one pan. The combination of savory chicken and the sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce is a perfect pairing that is easy to prepare, and clean-up is a breeze!

Why Make This Recipe

Bold, Sweet, and Smoky Flavor

The BBQ sauce with a hint of honey creates a perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors that infuse into the chicken and rice, making every bite mouthwatering.

One-Pan Meal

This dish requires just one skillet—ideal for reducing both preparation time and cleanup. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a tasty, hearty meal with minimal effort.

Versatile and Customizable

You can easily add vegetables like bell peppers or corn to enhance the flavor profile and add more nutrition. You can also swap the chicken thighs for chicken breasts or use bone-in chicken for extra flavor.

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts: Chicken thighs are more flavorful and juicy, but chicken breasts can be used as a leaner alternative.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sear the chicken and add a bit of flavor. You can also use avocado oil or vegetable oil.

For the Rice:

• 1 cup long grain rice: Long grain rice works best here as it cooks fluffy and doesn’t clump. You can swap it for brown rice, but the cooking time will be longer.
• 2 cups chicken broth: Chicken broth adds depth of flavor. You can use vegetable broth or even water if needed.

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce. If you want a spicier flavor, pick a spicy BBQ sauce or add some hot sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

2. Toast the Rice:

• Stir in 1 cup long grain rice into the same skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until the rice is lightly coated with the juices from the chicken.

3. Add the Broth and BBQ Sauce:

• Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and 1/2 cup BBQ sauce. Stir to combine everything.

4. Simmer:

• Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

5. Let It Rest:

• Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to fully absorb and the rice to firm up.

6. Fluff and Serve:

• Fluff the rice with a fork, and serve it hot. You can garnish with fresh parsley or extra BBQ sauce if desired.

How to Serve One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with steamed vegetables, salad, or corn on the cob for an even more hearty dinner.

How to Store One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let the meal cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove when ready to eat.

Tips to Make One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

1. Add extra flavor: Feel free to add bell peppers, corn, or even zucchini to the skillet to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious.
2. For added crispness: Sear the chicken until crispy before adding the rice for extra texture.
3. Adjust the sauce: If you like your BBQ sauce extra sweet, add a little honey or brown sugar.

Variations

• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the BBQ sauce to kick up the heat.
• Add cheese: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese at the end for a cheesy, comforting version.
• Use bone-in chicken: If you prefer, use bone-in chicken thighs or legs for extra flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time, so you’ll need to increase the simmer time by about 10-15 minutes.

Can I use a different protein?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork or tofu for a different take. Adjust cooking time for different proteins.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to heat it up. The flavors will meld even more after sitting for a few hours.

Conclusion

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is an easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. With juicy chicken, tender rice, and a rich BBQ sauce, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and clean up—what’s not to love?

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