This Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is a tasty dinner that cooks all in one pot! Juicy chicken, yummy barbeque sauce, and fluffy rice come together for a quick and simple meal.
You’ll love how everything combines and cooks at once. Less mess means more time for fun—like convincing your friends you slaved for hours in the kitchen! 😂
I think it’s perfect for busy nights. Just toss it all in the pan, let it cook, and enjoy—simple as that! Plus, it smells amazing while it’s cooking!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless chicken thighs for this recipe because they stay juicy. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts or even turkey. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or tofu, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce, but I recommend a smoky type for depth. If you’re avoiding sugar, sugar-free or homemade sauces work great too. You can mix in some hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Rice: Long-grain white rice gives the best texture. You can swap it for brown rice, but increase the cooking time and liquid by about 50%. Quinoa or cauliflower rice are other great alternatives for a low-carb option.
Honey: If you’re vegan or need a substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar is a good choice. For a sugar-free option, consider stevia or erythritol. Just adjust to your taste as sweetness levels may vary.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken and Rice Cook Evenly?
A common concern with one-pan meals is making sure everything cooks just right. The key is to layer everything properly and monitor heat carefully. Here’s a quick guide:
- Keep the chicken pieces uniform in size for even cooking.
- Start by browning the chicken to lock in flavor, but don’t fully cook it.
- Add rice all around the chicken and pour the liquid gently to soak the rice without disturbing the chicken.
- A tight-fitting lid is crucial to trap steam and ensure everything cooks evenly.
- Avoid lifting the lid while simmering to maintain the heat inside.
Following these steps will help you achieve perfectly cooked chicken and rice every time!
Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth (or water with bouillon)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your choice, preferably smoky or sweet)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick and delicious meal option. In total, you’ll spend around 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for a busy weekday dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are lightly browned but not fully cooked through. This step locks in flavor!
2. Add Rice and Broth:
Pour the rinsed rice evenly into the pan around the chicken pieces. Carefully add the chicken broth, making sure the rice is submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil—this will help cook the rice beautifully.
3. Simmer to Cook:
Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan tightly with a lid. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. During this time, the rice should absorb most of the liquid, and the chicken will cook through. Trust the process and try to avoid lifting the lid!
4. Prepare the Sauce:
While the chicken and rice are cooking, mix the barbecue sauce and honey in a small bowl. This tasty combo will give your dish that delicious, sticky finish!
5. Glaze the Chicken and Rice:
When the rice is fluffy and the chicken is fully cooked, drizzle the honey BBQ sauce over the top. Stir gently to ensure everything gets nicely coated in the sauce. Let it cook uncovered for an additional 2-3 minutes on low heat so that the sauce can thicken a bit and glaze the chicken.
6. Add Fresh Garnish:
Turn off the heat and remove the pan from the stove. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top for a bright pop of color and flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the dish warm right from the pan. Enjoy each bite of tender chicken and wonderfully flavored rice. It’s not just easy; it’s absolutely delicious!
With this recipe, you’ll have a satisfying meal that’s full of flavor and made in one pan. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice! However, you’ll need to increase the cooking time to about 35-40 minutes and add a bit more liquid (around 2 cups of broth). Brown rice takes longer to cook but offers a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No worries! You can substitute chicken broth with water and add a bouillon cube or simply use plain water. If you use water, consider adding a bit more seasoning to enhance the flavor of the dish.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and mix the honey BBQ sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, follow the recipe as normal. The recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can also reheat leftovers on the stovetop!
How Should I Store Leftover Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
