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

Scale

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