This Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is a simple meal that packs a punch of flavor! Sweet honey and tangy BBQ sauce combine to make the chicken really tasty.
Cooking everything in one pan means less cleanup, and who doesn’t love that? I often serve it with a side of veggies for a complete dinner. It’s a family favorite at my house!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless thighs for their tenderness, but chicken breasts work just fine! If you’re vegetarian, you can swap in tofu or chickpeas for a delicious alternative.
Rice: Long grain white rice is great, but you can also use brown rice or jasmine rice for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that brown rice may require more liquid and a longer cooking time.
BBQ Sauce: Your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce is a no-brainer. You can make your own if you have the time. Add some spice with sriracha or adjust the sweetness with more honey or maple syrup.
Honey: If you need a vegan option, try agave syrup or maple syrup instead. Both will add sweetness without any animal products.
How Do I Ensure the Rice is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking rice just right can be tricky, but here’s the scoop! It’s all about the right amount of liquid and a good simmer. Always check the package instructions for the rice type you’re using, but typically, the ratio is about 1 cup of rice to 1.75 cups of liquid.
- Make sure to bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat.
- Keep the pan covered while it simmers to trap steam – this helps the rice cook evenly.
- Letting it rest for a few minutes after cooking, with the lid on, helps the rice finish absorbing moisture.
Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 ¾ cups chicken broth or water
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 20-25 minutes to cook. So, in just around 30-35 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal to enjoy—all made in one pan!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Pan:
In a large skillet or deep pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sear the chicken nicely!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken pieces to the pan. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Stir it around and cook until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides but not fully cooked through—this should take about 4-5 minutes.
3. Add Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This will make your kitchen smell amazing!
4. Stir in the Rice:
Pour in the rinsed rice, stirring it to coat with the oil and chicken drippings. This helps the rice absorb all those wonderful flavors.
5. Add Liquid:
Now, add the chicken broth (or water) to the pan. This will cook the rice and help flavor the dish.
6. Mix BBQ Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce and honey together until well combined. Then, pour half of this mixture into the pan. Stir gently to evenly combine all the ingredients.
7. Simmer the Dish:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. This will let everything simmer and meld together beautifully.
8. Cook the Rice:
Let it cook for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid too much to keep the steam in!
9. Finish with Sauce:
Once the rice is cooked, remove the lid and spoon the remaining honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and rice. Stir gently to coat everything in luscious sauce.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro over the top for a fresh finish before serving. Enjoy your hearty one-pan meal!
This flavorful and easy one-pan honey BBQ chicken with rice is perfect for a weeknight dinner, and you’ll love how little cleanup there is afterward!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead?
Absolutely! If you prefer brown rice, just remember that it requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. You’ll want to increase the chicken broth to about 2 cups and simmer for 25-30 minutes instead of 18-20 minutes.
Can I Use a Different Type of Chicken?
Of course! You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor and tenderness. Just ensure they’re cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! You can add some crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or even jalapeños for an extra kick. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference!