This Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is a total time-saver! Juicy chicken baked in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, all cooked with fluffy rice—what’s not to love?
I adore how simple it is to whip up this dish, with everything cooked in one pan. It means less cleanup and more time to enjoy the meal—perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. If you prefer dark meat, thighs are a great option too! You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken, just add it later to warm it through.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect for this dish due to its fluffy texture. If you want a healthier option, try brown rice or quinoa, but cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly.
Barbecue Sauce: I love using a sweet, smoky BBQ sauce for depth of flavor. You can make your own, or for a unique twist, try teriyaki sauce or a mustard glaze if you’re in the mood.
Honey: Honey brings the sweetness that balances the BBQ flavor. Maple syrup or agave syrup can be good substitutes if you need to avoid honey due to dietary restrictions.
How Do You Ensure the Rice Cooks Perfectly?
Getting the rice just right can sometimes be tricky. The key is to maintain the right moisture balance. Here’s how to do it:
- When adding the chicken broth and BBQ sauce, stir well to combine everything before you add the chicken back in.
- Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid to trap steam, ensuring the rice cooks evenly.
- Avoid lifting the lid while it simmers; this lets steam escape, which can lead to undercooked rice.
- After cooking, let it rest covered for 5 minutes to allow any remaining moisture to be absorbed.
With these tips, you’ll have fluffy, delicious rice every time! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Chicken: 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- Rice: 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- The Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- Flavorings:
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Garnish: Fresh parsley or green onion, chopped
Time Needed:
You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation and around 30 minutes of cooking time, making it a total of 40 minutes for a delicious homemade meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat It Up!
Start by heating the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Let it get nice and warm.
2. Season the Chicken!
While the pan is heating, season your chicken pieces generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to add some smoky flavor. This is where the delicious taste starts!
3. Brown the Chicken!
Carefully add the seasoned chicken to the hot pan and cook it for about 4-5 minutes, turning the pieces to brown them evenly. They should be golden but not fully cooked. Once done, take the chicken out and set it aside—don’t worry, we’ll bring it back!
4. Sauté the Garlic!
In the same pan, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant and makes your kitchen smell amazing.
5. Toast the Rice!
Next, stir in the rinsed rice and let it toast lightly for 1-2 minutes. This gives it a wonderful flavor.
6. Add the Liquid Gold!
Pour in the chicken broth, barbecue sauce, and honey. Stir everything together so the rice gets coated in that lovely mixture.
7. Return the Chicken!
Now, add the browned chicken back into the pan. Spread it out evenly on top of the rice to ensure everything gets cooked together.
8. Simmer It Down!
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan tightly. Let it simmer for 18-20 minutes. Resist the urge to peek and lift the lid!
9. Rest and Fluff!
Once the cooking time is up, remove it from the heat but keep it covered for another 5 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb any last bit of liquid. Then, fluff the rice with a fork to mix the chicken and sauce evenly.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Dig in and enjoy your tasty, easy one-pan meal!
This dish is not only simple but packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a casual gathering. Bon appétit!
FAQs for Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook—about 30-40 minutes. You’ll need to adjust the amount of chicken broth to around 1 1/4 cups and check for doneness, adding a bit more liquid if necessary.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No worries! You can use water instead, but the dish may be a bit less flavorful. To boost flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or just using more barbecue sauce.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance! Cook everything as instructed, then let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it looks dry.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat on the stove over low heat to maintain texture, stirring occasionally for even heating.
