One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delightful dish that masterfully combines savory and sweet flavors with minimal effort required. Imagine sinking your fork into perfectly tender chicken infused with a smoky BBQ sauce that seamlessly melds with fluffy rice. This dish is not only comforting and satisfying but also a fun way to incorporate colorful veggies, making it a feast for the eyes as well. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a pleasantly casual gathering, this recipe is sure to please both family and friends alike.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

I first stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week when I craved something that promised both deliciousness and convenience. It quickly became a go-to for its balance of mouthwatering flavors and ease of preparation. With just one pan to clean, cooking becomes a completely manageable task, all while delivering a welcoming warmth on a hectic day. I can’t wait for you to experience this special meal—trust me, you’re going to love how it turns out!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: In just 10 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of cook time, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to enjoy.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of BBQ sauce and honey creates a rich, tangy-sweet flavor that’s simply divine.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors from the mixed veggies make this dish as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for dinner, meal prepping for lunch, or even enjoying as a dish at a casual get-together.
Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to swap chicken for pork or tofu, and customize with your favorite veggies like bell peppers or broccoli.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: These cuts ensure that your chicken stays juicy and tender during cooking. You can substitute with pork or tofu for a different twist.
1 cup long-grain rice: This type of rice cooks perfectly alongside the chicken, soaking up all the amazing flavors. Jasmine rice also works well here!
2 cups chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the dish. Vegetable broth can be substituted for a vegetarian option.
½ cup BBQ sauce: Go for your favorite brand, or make your own to control sweetness and spice levels.
¼ cup honey: This ingredient balances the smokiness of the BBQ sauce with natural sweetness. Maple syrup can serve as a substitute in a pinch.
1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh): These add necessary nutrients and color. Bell peppers, broccoli, or corn are fantastic additions.
1 tsp garlic powder: This enhances the flavor profile of your dish without the need for chopping fresh garlic.
1 tsp onion powder: Like garlic powder, this gives a flavorful base for your dish, making it taste savory and homey.
½ tsp smoked paprika: Infuses a slight smokiness that works beautifully with the BBQ sauce. Regular paprika will do if that’s what you have on hand.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for lifting the flavors and rounding out the dish.

How to Make One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Sear Chicken: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Sear the seasoned chicken for about 5 minutes on each side, or until it’s beautifully browned and gives off a fragrant aroma.

Whisk Sauce: While the chicken is searing, grab a small bowl and whisk together ½ cup BBQ sauce and ¼ cup honey until smooth. The blend should smell heavenly! Pour this mixture over the chicken in the skillet, ensuring it’s well-coated.

Add Rice: Next, add 1 cup long-grain rice and 2 cups chicken broth directly into the skillet. Stir everything gently to combine the ingredients, making sure the rice is evenly distributed for an even cook. Bring it to a light simmer.

Cover & Cook: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow it to cook for about 20 minutes, keeping an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t dry out. The rice should absorb all the delightful flavors and become tender.

Steam Vegetables: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle your 1 cup of mixed vegetables over the top of the rice without stirring. Cover again and let them steam gently, retaining their vibrant color and nutrients.

Rest & Fluff: Once cooking time is up, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This step helps to achieve that perfect fluffiness. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork before serving, ensuring the chicken and veggies are incorporated.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For refrigeration, transfer to the fridge where it can last for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Note that textures may change slightly after freezing, but a splash of broth can help bring back that moisture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the chicken by ensuring each piece is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer if needed!
If using frozen mixed vegetables, no need to thaw; just toss them in as directed for steaming.
For added flavor, try marinating the chicken in the BBQ sauce and honey mix for an hour or overnight before cooking.
If you prefer a bit of crunch, add sliced almonds or chopped peanuts as a garnish before serving.
Customize the heat level by opting for spicy BBQ sauce or adding a dash of hot sauce into the mix.

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is such a standout dish that melds sweet and smoky flavors beautifully while being supremely easy to prepare. I hope you get the chance to make this for yourself and perhaps even share it with loved ones. It’s truly a dish made to bring smiles and comfort to the table. Enjoy the process and feel free to experiment with different proteins or vegetables—there’s no wrong way to make it your own!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Absolutely! While long-grain rice works perfectly for this recipe, you can substitute with jasmine rice, basmati rice, or even brown rice. Just keep in mind that brown rice may need extra cooking time and more liquid.

What if I don’t have BBQ sauce on hand?

No worries! You can create a simple alternative with a mixture of ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and some spices like onion powder and garlic powder. It won’t be exactly the same, but it works in a pinch and gives a lovely sauce to the chicken.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Certainly! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini. Just remember to adjust cooking times slightly if the veggies you choose require longer to cook.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, it is! One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container, and when you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it after thawing. Enjoy the deliciousness even weeks later!

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One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: One Pot
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

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Description

Enjoy the mouthwatering One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice featuring succulent chicken, fragrant rice, and mixed veggies. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also offers an incredible blend of flavors, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or comforting meals at home.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup bbq sauce
¼ cup honey
1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and sear the seasoned chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until browned.
In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey, then pour over the chicken.
Stir in the rice and chicken broth until well combined.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender.
Add the mixed vegetables on top during the last 5 minutes of cooking to steam them.
Allow the dish to sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork and serving.

Notes

For added flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce before cooking.
Feel free to switch up the mixed vegetables based on your preference or availability.
Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.