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One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe delivers a flavorful and easy-to-make meal featuring juicy chicken glazed in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce combined with fluffy rice all cooked in a single skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, it offers a balanced mix of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, seasoned with salt and pepper

Base

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (or substitute brown rice, increase cooking time accordingly)

Sauces & Liquids

  • 1 cup honey BBQ sauce
  • 2 cups chicken broth or stock

Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Fats & Oils

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Vegetables (Optional)

  • 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)

Seasonings

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and sear each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side, to lock in juices and build flavor.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Remove the chicken from the skillet temporarily. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant, creating a savory base.
  3. Add Rice and Liquid: Pour in the uncooked rice and stir to coat it with the onion and garlic mixture. Add chicken broth and honey BBQ sauce, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Evenly place the browned chicken pieces over the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Final Touches: Once cooked, fluff the rice gently and stir just enough to combine flavors. Add any optional vegetables or fresh herbs now to preserve their texture and color. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
  • Don’t skip searing the chicken; it adds essential flavor and texture.
  • If rice isn’t tender after cooking, add a splash more broth and simmer a few minutes longer.
  • For extra moisture, cover the skillet with foil before placing the lid during simmering.
  • Let the dish rest off heat for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: One-Pan, Honey BBQ Chicken, Chicken Rice, Easy Dinner, Weeknight Meal, Skillet Recipe, Family Friendly