One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe
Introduction
This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is a delicious and convenient meal that combines tender, flavorful chicken thighs with perfectly cooked rice and vegetables. It’s a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add the rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. This will enhance the flavor of the rice.
- Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, honey BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- Step 4: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and return the chicken to the skillet. Add the frozen mixed vegetables on top of the chicken and rice. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
- Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a little BBQ sauce and garlic powder for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley as a garnish instead of green onions for a different flavor.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice, but increase the simmering time to about 40 minutes and add more broth as needed.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth if the rice looks dry.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice or jasmine rice, but cooking times and liquid amounts may need to be adjusted. Brown rice will require more liquid and longer cooking time.
Is it necessary to toast the rice?
Toasting the rice is not mandatory, but it enhances the dish by giving the rice a nuttier flavor and better texture.
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One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice recipe is a delicious and comforting meal that combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with flavorful honey BBQ sauce, aromatic spices, and savory rice all cooked together in one skillet. It’s a perfect weekday dinner that’s easy to prepare and packed with balanced flavors and veggies.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Toast the Rice: Using the same skillet with the remaining oil and chicken drippings, add the rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the rice.
- Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in the chicken broth, honey BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to the skillet with toasted rice. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer with Chicken and Vegetables: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them on top of the rice mixture. Add the frozen mixed vegetables evenly over the chicken and rice. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to marry and rice to fully fluff. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped green onions if desired before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to use a tight-fitting lid when simmering to ensure the rice cooks evenly.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts but be mindful to adjust cooking time as breasts cook faster.
- Frozen mixed vegetables can be replaced with fresh ones if preferred, just blanch them slightly before adding.
- If you want a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, One-Pan Dinner, Chicken and Rice, Easy Weeknight Meal, Skillet Dinner, Comfort Food
