Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe

Introduction

This easy one-pan honey BBQ chicken and rice dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken thighs simmer in a sweet and tangy sauce alongside tender, flavorful rice. With minimal cleanup and maximum taste, it’s a family favorite that’s sure to become a regular on your menu.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together the honey and barbecue sauce until well combined. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same pan, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in the uncooked rice and cook for 1 minute, coating the grains with oil and aromatics.
5. Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Return the chicken to the pan, placing it on top of the rice. Pour the honey BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken and rice.
6. Step 6: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Rinse rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming gummy.
• For a healthier version, swap white rice for brown rice but increase cooking time and liquid accordingly.
• If you prefer chicken breasts, watch cooking time closely as they cook faster than thighs.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli with the onions and garlic for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute for honey if you need a sugar-free alternative.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes, but make sure it is completely thawed before cooking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or submerge a sealed bag in cold water for a quicker method.

Can I Substitute Brown Rice for White Rice?

Absolutely. Just increase the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes and add a bit more liquid to ensure the rice cooks through properly.

Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe

---

★★★★★

5 from 105 reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Halal

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken thighs simmered with long-grain white rice in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe combines flavorful seared chicken, aromatic onions and garlic, and perfectly cooked rice all in one skillet for minimal cleanup and maximum taste.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dish:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)

For the Sauce:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)

For Cooking:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the honey and barbecue sauce until well combined. This sweet and tangy sauce will add great flavor to your dish. Set it aside for later!
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. While the oil heats up, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pan and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Aromatics: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they become softened and fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base for the rice!
4. Add the Rice: Now, stir in the uncooked rice and let it cook for 1 minute to coat in the oil and aromatics. This helps toasting the rice slightly, enhancing its flavor.
5. Combine and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and stir well to combine everything. Return the seared chicken to the pan, placing it on top of the rice. Then, pour the honey BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken and rice.
6. Cook Until Done: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. The aroma will be irresistible!
7. Rest and Serve: Once the cooking time is up, remove the pan from heat and let it rest, still covered, for 5 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright finish!

Notes

• Always rinse your rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent gummy texture.
• Keep the lid on when simmering to trap steam and cook rice evenly.
• If rice isn’t fully cooked after the initial time, add a splash more water and cook covered until tender.
• Let the dish rest covered after cooking to allow flavors to meld and the rice to absorb remaining moisture.
• Use thawed chicken if using frozen and adjust cooking accordingly.
• You can substitute brown rice by increasing cooking time and liquid; brown rice takes about 25-30 minutes.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor by cooking them with the onions and garlic.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: one-pan chicken recipe, honey BBQ chicken, easy chicken dinner, chicken and rice skillet, weeknight meals, quick chicken recipes