One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is the kind of dish that could easily become a weeknight staple, thanks to its effortless combination of flavors and textures. Picture succulent chicken bathed in a rich, tangy BBQ sauce mixed with the perfect amount of sweetness from honey. Every bite bursts with juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables, creating a hearty meal that’s not just easy but completely satisfying. You won’t find yourself slaving over the stove for hours here; it’s all about keeping things simple without sacrificing taste.

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 one of my busy work weeks when the thought of cooking something elaborate seemed daunting. As I stood in the kitchen, I found solace in the ease of this one-pan wonder. It swiftly became my go-to for gathering friends for casual dinners, as everyone seems to fall in love with the bold, tasty flavor. If you’ve been searching for a quick, budget-friendly meal that feels like a warm hug, then look no further than this dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip it up in just about 50 minutes—perfect for busy nights!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of honey and BBQ sauce creates a perfect sweet and tangy glaze with every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Colorful veggies and glistening chicken make this a beautiful dish for dinner or entertaining.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for family dinners, and even makes great leftovers for lunch the next day.
Diet-Friendly Options: Substitutions like pork or tofu allow everyone to enjoy this dish!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: This ensures juicy, tender chicken. Thighs are usually more forgiving with cooking times, but you can absolutely swap for breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
1 cup long-grain rice: This type of rice cooks beautifully and absorbs the flavorful broth. You can also use brown rice, but remember it may take longer to cook.
2 cups chicken broth: Homemade or store-bought, it adds depth to the rice and chicken. Just skip the sodium-laden options to keep it light.
½ cup BBQ sauce: Use your favorite sauce here! For an adventurous twist, try a spicy variety for added heat.
¼ cup honey: The sweetness balances the tangy sauce perfectly. Maple syrup can be a delicious substitute if you’re out of honey.
1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh): Color is key here! Feel free to add bell peppers, broccoli, or even corn for a more vibrant dish.
1 tsp garlic powder: A must-have for that wonderful aroma and depth of flavor.
1 tsp onion powder: Enhances the overall taste profile, adding just the right amount of savory goodness.
½ tsp smoked paprika: This adds a subtle smokiness that complements the BBQ sauce beautifully. Regular paprika works too!
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in your dish.

How to Make One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a little oil and place your seasoned 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they’re beautifully browned and reaching about 165°F internally. This step locks in all that flavor!

Whisk the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup BBQ sauce and ¼ cup honey until well combined. Pour this sweet concoction over your chicken in the skillet, ensuring everything is evenly coated for maximum flavor.

Add the Rice and Broth: Now, it’s time to incorporate the star of the dish. Sprinkle in 1 cup of long-grain rice and pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Give it all a gentle stir to mix those delicious flavors.

Simmer and Cook: Bring everything to a simmer before covering the pan. Let it cook on low for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. You should see some bubbling around the edges—it’s a good sign everything is coming together!

Steam the Veggies: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, take your 1 cup of mixed vegetables and sprinkle them on top. Cover the skillet again and steam them as the rice finishes cooking. They’ll add a wonderful crunch and color to the dish.

Fluff and Serve: Once that glorious smell fills your kitchen, let it sit off the heat for about 5 minutes. After this brief rest, use a fork to fluff the rice gently; your One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is ready to tempt those taste buds!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your leftovers fresh, store any uneaten One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’re looking to stash it longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed to help the rice regain its original fluffiness. Just know that the texture may change slightly, but the flavors will still be heavenly!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

When searing the chicken, don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking and browning.
If you want to enhance the flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a bit of the BBQ sauce and honey for a few hours before cooking.
Cooking rice uncovered on high heat can lead to a gummy texture, so maintaining a low simmer is key.
Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper to your preference before serving.
For a creamier bite, mix in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving.
Leftover rice makes a great addition to stir-fries or salads, so feel free to make extra!

The combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors in this dish is nothing short of delightful. You’ll not only love the ease of preparing One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, but you’ll feel satisfied by every scrumptious bite. So whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a home-cooked meal for loved ones, I encourage you to give this simple yet satisfying recipe a try. Don’t hesitate to add your creative spin using your favorite veggies or even different proteins.

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute the chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with pork chops, tofu, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through. For example, cook shrimp for just a few minutes until they turn pink and opaque.

What kind of BBQ sauce is best to use?

Use any BBQ sauce you enjoy! Sweet, tangy, or spicy—it’s entirely up to your personal preference. If you like it hot, opt for a spicy BBQ sauce to give your dish an extra kick.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken in the BBQ sauce and honey mixture a few hours prior to cooking. You can also chop your veggies and measure out your ingredients so you can whip this up even faster when it’s time to cook.

What should I serve this with?

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is delicious on its own, but if you’d like to add something extra, consider serving it up with a light salad or cornbread. The sweetness of cornbread complements the BBQ flavors perfectly!

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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 servings 1x
Category: One Pot
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

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Description

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a sweet BBQ sauce, making it an easy and delicious meal for busy evenings.

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

Sear the seasoned chicken in a large skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side until browned.
In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey, then pour it over the chicken in the skillet.
Add the rice and chicken broth, stirring to combine all ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender.
Add the mixed vegetables on top during the last 5 minutes of cooking to steam them.
After cooking, let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork and serving.

Notes

You can substitute chicken thighs with breasts if preferred for a leaner option.
Feel free to use your favorite vegetables, whether fresh or frozen, to enhance nutrition.