Name: One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed; 1 1/4 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade); 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a bit of heat); Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

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This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a hearty and flavorful meal that brings together tender chicken, smoky honey BBQ sauce, and perfectly cooked rice. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. The best part? Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed

1 ¼ cups chicken broth

½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

¼ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a bit of heat)

Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.

Add the garlic and chicken pieces to the pan. Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder if using. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides but not fully cooked through.

Stir in the rice, coating it well with the oil and spices. Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Stir to combine everything evenly.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to keep the steam trapped.

Once done, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.

Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions before serving. Enjoy warm!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4

Variations

If you're looking for some variations, here are a few options:

Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian twist.

Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, corn, or peas to the pan along with the rice for a burst of color and flavor.

Spicy Kick: For an added heat factor, increase the amount of chili powder or add a dash of cayenne pepper.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent the rice from drying out. You can also reheat in the microwave for a quick meal.

FAQs

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you prefer a spicier version, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dish. You could also drizzle some hot sauce on top before serving.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and add a bit more chicken broth since brown rice takes longer to cook.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts if preferred. Just keep in mind that breasts can dry out a bit more than thighs, so be careful not to overcook them.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

This dish is best made fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the onion and chicken, and have the rice and seasonings ready to go. Then, just cook it when you're ready to eat.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free BBQ sauce and chicken broth. Be sure to double-check the ingredients on the labels.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is the ultimate comfort food, delivering smoky, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite. The simplicity of cooking everything in one pan makes it a great choice for busy weeknights or meal prep. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a quick and delicious dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings!

Recipe:

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a hearty and flavorful meal that combines tender chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and perfectly cooked rice, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Add the garlic and chicken pieces to the pan. Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder if using. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides but not fully cooked through.
Stir in the rice, coating it well with the oil and spices. Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Stir to combine everything evenly.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to keep the steam trapped.
Once done, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions before serving. Enjoy warm!