Description
This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe combines tender, seared chicken thighs with a flavorful blend of honey and BBQ sauce, simmered together with rice and mixed vegetables for a hearty, all-in-one meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice and Sauce
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey
Vegetables
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, season the chicken thighs or breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until browned and partially cooked through.
- Prepare Honey BBQ Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey until smooth and well combined. Pour this flavorful mixture evenly over the seared chicken in the skillet.
- Add Rice and Broth: Add the long-grain rice to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth. Stir gently to combine the rice with the sauce and ensure even cooking around the chicken pieces.
- Simmer and Cook: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat for about 20 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and become tender.
- Add Vegetables: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, evenly distribute the mixed vegetables on top of the rice and cover again. The vegetables will steam, becoming tender without overcooking.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooking is complete, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the rice to finish cooking perfectly. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat or vice versa for leaner protein.
- Use fresh vegetables or a frozen vegetable medley depending on availability and preference.
- Adjust the amount of honey and BBQ sauce to tailor the sweetness and boldness of the sauce to your taste.
- If preferred, use brown rice, but increase the cooking time to about 40-45 minutes with extra chicken broth.
- Ensure the skillet is covered well during simmering to prevent rice from drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Honey BBQ chicken, one-pan meal, chicken and rice, easy weeknight dinner, skillet chicken recipe
