Description
This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and hearty dish combining tender chicken thighs or breasts with smoky BBQ sauce, sweet honey, and savory spices, all cooked together with rice and mixed vegetables for a convenient, satisfying meal ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice and Vegetables
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, season the chicken thighs or breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until browned and partially cooked through.
- Prepare Honey BBQ Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey to create a balanced sweet and smoky glaze, then pour this mixture evenly over the seared chicken in the skillet.
- Add Rice and Broth: Pour in the long-grain rice and chicken broth, stirring gently to combine all ingredients and distribute the rice evenly around and under the chicken.
- Simmer the Dish: Bring the skillet contents to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook the mixture for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth.
- Steam Vegetables: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, scatter the mixed vegetables on top of the chicken and rice. Cover again to allow the vegetables to steam gently until heated through and tender.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooking is complete, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to enhance the texture and mix ingredients evenly.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor, but increase cooking time by 5-7 minutes.
- Substitute long-grain rice with brown rice, increasing cooking time by about 15 minutes and adding more broth as needed.
- Feel free to swap mixed vegetables with your favorite fresh or frozen options like bell peppers, corn, or peas.
- For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ and honey mixture.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels if desired.
