This Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is a simple weeknight meal that’s full of flavor. Moist chicken sits on a bed of fluffy rice, all coated in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce!
One pan means less mess—thank you, kitchen gods! 😄 I love how everything cooks together, soaking up each other’s goodness. Dinner has never been this simple and yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and stay tender. You can substitute with thighs for a slightly richer flavor. If you want a vegetarian option, try using firm tofu or chickpeas instead!
Rice: Long-grain white rice blends well with the sauce. For a healthier twist, use brown rice, but be aware cooking times may change, and you might need a bit more liquid.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or make it from scratch! If you’re watching sugar intake, try a sugar-free BBQ sauce. For a spicy kick, add a bit of hot sauce or chipotle sauce.
Onion: My go-to is a small onion for added flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can skip it or use shallots for a milder taste.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Rice?
Cooking rice in one pan with chicken can be tricky. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Make sure to rinse the rice beforehand to remove excess starch, which helps it cook fluffy.
- Monitor the liquid ratio; the chicken broth gives extra flavor, so keep it equal to the rice’s needs (usually about 1.5 cups of liquid for 1 cup of white rice).
- Cover the pan to keep steam in, ensuring the rice cooks evenly while absorbing flavors from the chicken and sauce.
Give it a rest after cooking to let the rice settle in the steam, yielding perfect texture every time!
Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (or water)
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. In no time at all, you’ll have a delicious, one-pan meal that’s ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This adds lots of great flavor to your dish!
2. Brown the Chicken:
In a large skillet or wide pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken to the pan and brown both sides, which should take about 3-4 minutes each side. After it’s nicely browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Onion (Optional):
If you want to use an onion for extra flavor, add the finely chopped onion to the same pan. Sauté it for about 2-3 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent.
4. Add the Rice:
Next, add the rinsed rice to the pan. Stir it around to coat it in the oil and the juices from the onion for even more flavor!
5. Combine the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth, barbecue sauce, and honey. Stir everything well to combine, making sure the rice is evenly distributed.
6. Return the Chicken:
Place the chicken back into the pan on top of the rice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
7. Cook Everything Together:
Cover the pan with a lid, lower the heat to low, and allow it to cook for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the rice should be tender and the chicken should be cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).
8. Let it Rest:
Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat but let it sit with the lid on for 5 minutes. This helps the rice finish cooking and the flavors meld together beautifully.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, give it a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve right from the pan to keep it cozy and casual!
Enjoy your delicious, easy one-pan honey BBQ chicken and rice!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice for a healthier option, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically requires more water (about 2 cups for 1 cup of rice) and will take around 35-40 minutes to cook. Make sure to check it for doneness before serving!
What Can I Substitute for Barbecue Sauce?
If you don’t have barbecue sauce or prefer a different flavor, you can try using teriyaki sauce, honey mustard, or even a homemade sauce made with ketchup, vinegar, and spices. Adjust the sweetness with honey or brown sugar as needed!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through, or reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots. Just sauté them along with the onion before adding the rice and sauce for extra flavor and nutrition!
