This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice dish is super easy and delicious! The chicken is juicy and coated in a sweet BBQ sauce, while the rice soaks up all the yummy flavors.
Cooking everything in one pan means less mess to clean up afterward—who loves that? 🙋♂️ I enjoy serving it with some veggies on the side for a colorful meal that’s sure to please everyone!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish because they cook quickly and evenly. If you’re looking for a substitute, try using chicken thighs for extra juiciness or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal, but you can swap it for brown rice or jasmine rice. Just remember that cooking times and liquid ratios may change, so check the package instructions closely.
BBQ Sauce: Your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce works well, but you can make your own if you have the time! Mix ketchup, vinegar, and a bit of brown sugar for a quick homemade version. Feel free to use a sugar-free BBQ sauce if you’re watching your intake.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness, but you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer a vegan option. Just adjust the amount to taste!
How Can You Ensure the Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
Getting juicy chicken is all about cooking it correctly! First, don’t overcook the chicken. Sauté just until it’s browned but not fully cooked through. The residual heat will finish cooking it later when you cover it with the rice and sauce.
- Keep the heat at medium-high for an ideal sear.
- Don’t stir it too much! Let it sit to develop color.
- Using a meat thermometer? Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious one-pan meal takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 25 minutes to cook. You’ll enjoy a hearty meal in just about 35 minutes with minimal cleanup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start by Searing the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces, sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned but not yet fully cooked. It’s okay if it’s still a bit pink inside.
2. Prepare the Garlic and Rice:
Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing. Next, pour in the rinsed rice and stir it around to coat it well with the garlic and oil, lightly toasting it for about 1-2 minutes. This adds a wonderful flavor!
3. Cook the Rice:
Now, pour in the chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan tightly with a lid and let the rice simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
4. Mix the Sauce:
While the rice is cooking, mix together the BBQ sauce and honey in a small bowl. This will be your delicious glaze for the chicken!
5. Combine Chicken and Rice:
Once your rice is almost done cooking, add the chicken back into the pan, placing it on top of the rice. Pour the honey BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken and rice.
6. Final Simmer:
Cover the pan again and let it cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce is warmed and slightly thickened. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit covered for a few minutes. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Serve your delicious One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice and enjoy every bite!
FAQ for One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but be aware it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Typically, you’ll need to increase the cooking time to around 40-45 minutes and add an extra 1/2 cup of broth or water.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
It’s best to thaw the chicken before using it for this recipe. Thawing overnight in the fridge is the safest option. If you’re in a hurry, you can submerge the sealed chicken in cold water for about an hour to defrost it quickly.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist while reheating.
What Are Some Good Side Dishes to Serve With This?
This dish is tasty on its own, but you can pair it with steamed vegetables (like broccoli or green beans) or a simple side salad for some extra freshness and nutrition!
