This Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is a fun, tasty dish! With juicy chicken, a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, and fluffy rice, it’s a complete meal made in one pan—less mess for you!
Trust me, the flavors are amazing! The sweet honey pairs perfectly with the BBQ, making every bite a treat. I love serving it with some veggies on the side for a colorful meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Chicken thighs are my go-to because they stay juicy. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts. For a lighter option, try tofu or chickpeas instead.
Barbecue sauce: Use your favorite brand for a burst of flavor. If you’re out, you can make a quick homemade version with ketchup, vinegar, and spices.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect here, but feel free to use brown rice; just add a little more liquid and adjust the cooking time.
Honey: If you’re looking for a vegan option, maple syrup works great! It will still give that sweet touch without the honey.
Cheese: The cheddar cheese is optional. You could also try Monterey Jack or leave it out entirely for a dairy-free meal.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure the Chicken Is Cooked Perfectly?
A key step to perfect chicken is to sear it properly before cooking it in the broth. Searing locks in flavors and gives it a nice texture. Here’s how to get it right:
- Ensure the pan is hot before adding the chicken for a good sear, keeping it moist inside.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps achieve that golden brown color.
- Check doneness by cutting into the thickest part; it should be no longer pink inside, or you can use a meat thermometer (165°F is safe).
Following these tips will help you achieve perfectly cooked chicken every time! Enjoy your meal prep adventure!
Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/3 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 20 minutes to cook. In just about half an hour, you’ll have a delicious one-pan meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season Your Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs or breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. This adds flavor right from the start!
2. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until it’s nicely golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Onion:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This will add a lovely flavor to the dish.
4. Add the Rice:
Now, add the rice to the pan and stir it around to coat it with the oil and the leftover flavors from the onion.
5. Mix and Pour:
In a separate bowl, mix the chicken broth, barbecue sauce, and honey. Pour this mixture over the rice in the skillet, making sure everything is nicely combined.
6. Return the Chicken:
Put the seared chicken back into the skillet, placing it right on top of the rice mixture. Cover the pan with a lid.
7. Cook It All Together:
Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 18-20 minutes. The rice should absorb the liquid and become tender, while the chicken finishes cooking through.
8. Add Cheese (Optional):
If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chicken and rice. Cover the pan again for 2-3 minutes to let the cheese melt beautifully.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish your dish with some chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a burst of color and freshness before serving.
Enjoy your flavorful, easy one-pan honey BBQ chicken and rice!
FAQ for Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method by sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for quicker thawing.
Can I Substitute Brown Rice for White Rice?
Absolutely! If you prefer brown rice, just be aware it requires more liquid and a longer cooking time—about 30-35 minutes. Increase the chicken broth to 1 1/2 cups and keep an eye on the rice, adding more liquid if necessary.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The cooking time may vary slightly, so ensure your protein is heated through and combined well with the rice and flavors.
