Description
This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe is a simple, flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, cooked together with rice and mixed vegetables for a complete, comforting meal all made in one pan.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Grains & Vegetables
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
Liquids & Sauces
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs or breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and place the chicken pieces in the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Mix and Add Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey until well combined. Pour this mixture over the seared chicken in the skillet, coating them evenly.
- Add Rice and Broth: Pour the rice and chicken broth into the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients and distribute the rice evenly around the chicken.
- Simmer and Cook: Bring the contents to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Add Vegetables: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, place the mixed vegetables on top of the rice and chicken. Cover again to let the vegetables steam and heat through with the residual heat.
- Rest and Serve: Once the cooking is complete, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, mix the vegetables gently into the rice, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option.
- Feel free to substitute frozen mixed vegetables with fresh seasonal veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or peas.
- Adjust the amount of honey or BBQ sauce based on your desired sweetness and tanginess level.
- If your rice requires a different cooking time, adjust the simmer accordingly to avoid undercooked or mushy rice.
- Covering the skillet tightly is important to properly steam the rice and vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
