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One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 27 reviews

One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken thighs with smoky-sweet BBQ sauce and honey, cooked together with long-grain rice and mixed vegetables in a single skillet. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors with a nutritious, all-in-one meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Grains

  • 1 cup long-grain rice

Liquids

  • 2 cups chicken broth

Sauces

  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
  • 1/4 cup honey

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables

  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)

Garnish (Optional)

  • Chopped green onions or parsley

Instructions

  1. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add a drizzle of oil and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  2. Cook the Rice: In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to bring out a nutty flavor. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey to create a rich, smoky-sweet mixture.
  3. Simmer Everything Together: Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes to allow the rice and chicken to cook through.
  4. Add the Vegetables: After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice without stirring. Cover again and cook for 5 more minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Serve & Garnish: Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice gently with a fork. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, then serve warm for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Searing the chicken before simmering locks in juices and adds flavor.
  • Toasting the rice helps prevent it from becoming soggy and enhances flavor.
  • Do not stir in vegetables; letting them steam preserves texture and color.
  • Use a good quality BBQ sauce for best taste balance.
  • Check chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
  • Variations include adding chili flakes for spice, cheese for richness, or using alternative grains like brown rice or quinoa.

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, One-Pan Meal, Chicken Rice Recipe, Easy Dinner, BBQ Chicken, Weeknight Dinner, Comfort Food, Chicken Thighs, Mixed Vegetables

Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/one-pan-honey-bbq-chicken-rice-recipe/