This easy one-pan honey BBQ chicken and rice is a winner for busy nights! Juicy chicken gets a sweet and tangy glaze while the rice cooks right alongside it, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I usually opt for thighs because they stay juicier than breasts. If you’re looking for a leaner option, go for chicken breasts. You can also use turkey cutlets or even firm tofu for a meatless version!
Barbecue Sauce: Any store-bought sauce works, but if you’re in the mood to make your own, a mix of ketchup, vinegar, and spices can do the trick! For low-sugar diets, try a sugar-free barbecue sauce or make a homemade version to control what goes in.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is classic, but feel free to swap it for brown rice or quinoa. Just remember that cooking times will vary, and you’ll need a bit more liquid for brown rice (about 2 cups of liquid for every cup of brown rice).
Honey: If you want to avoid honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can be good substitutes. For a sugar-free option, a sugar substitute like stevia can work, but adjust the amount to taste.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Seared?
Searing chicken is essential for flavor! You want a nice browning on the outside, which adds depth. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a hot pan—medium-high heat is ideal to get that golden crust.
- Make sure your chicken is dry. Pat it with paper towels for better browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give each piece enough space for even cooking.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until it reaches a golden brown color, before removing it. This helps lock in the juices!
Following these tips will give you perfectly seared chicken that adds so much flavor to your one-pan dish! Enjoy your meal!
Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, for a total of around 35 minutes. It’s a quick meal idea for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure to coat it well so that every bite is flavorful!
2. Searing the Chicken:
In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s beautifully golden brown. After searing, carefully remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Toasting the Rice:
In the same pan where you cooked the chicken, add the uncooked rice. Toast the rice gently for about 1-2 minutes, stirring often to prevent it from sticking. This will add a nice nutty flavor.
4. Mixing the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, barbecue sauce, and honey until well combined. This sauce is where the magic happens!
5. Combining Everything:
Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the toasted rice in the pan, stirring gently to make sure the rice is well-coated and the sauce is evenly distributed.
6. Cooking Together:
Place the seared chicken pieces back on top of the rice mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes. Check occasionally to make sure it doesn’t burn! The dish is ready when the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
7. Final Touches:
Once done, remove the pan from heat. Let it rest for about 5 minutes with the lid still on. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.
8. Serving:
Fluff the rice a bit with a fork before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if you like, and enjoy your warm, comforting one-pan meal!
Enjoy this comforting, flavorful one-pan dish that’s super easy to clean up!
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 be sure to fully thaw it before cooking for best results. Thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge or use the quick method of submerging it in a sealed plastic bag in cold water.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want to add some heat to the dish, consider mixing in some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes with the seasoning. You could also use a spicy barbecue sauce or marinate the chicken in hot sauce beforehand!
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, you can warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help revive the moisture in the rice.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or broccoli when you combine the sauce with the rice. Just ensure they are chopped into smaller pieces for even cooking. You can add them in with the rice to steam alongside it!
