This Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is a tasty meal that’s quick to make! With juicy chicken, sweet honey, and tangy BBQ sauce, it’s hard not to love.
Cooking everything in one pan means less mess to clean up—thank you very much! Plus, I enjoy how the rice absorbs all those yummy flavors. What’s not to like?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using chicken thighs for their tenderness and extra flavor, but chicken breasts are a fine alternative if you prefer them. You can even use bone-in chicken for more flavor; just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Barbecue Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite brand! If you like a twist, try adding a few drops of hot sauce for spice or a drizzle of soy sauce for an extra depth of flavor. Homemade BBQ sauce can also bring a personal touch.
Rice: Long grain white rice is a staple here, but brown rice or jasmine rice can be used as substitutes. If you use brown rice, remember to increase the liquid and cooking time, as it often takes longer to cook.
Onion: A small yellow onion is great for this dish, but you could replace it with shallots or even green onions for a different flavor. I love the sweetness that onions add; they really enhance the overall taste!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken to the right temperature is crucial for safety and tenderness. Here are some tips:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Don’t skip the searing step! This locks in moisture and adds flavor.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking; this helps retain its juices when you cut into it.
What’s the Best Way to Flavor the Rice?
The rice absorbs the flavors well, making it key for a delicious dish. Here’s how to enhance it:
- Make sure to rinse the rice. This removes excess starch and helps it cook more evenly.
- Using chicken broth instead of water adds a lot of flavor to the rice—don’t skip this!
- Mix the sauce thoroughly with the rice to ensure every grain is flavored—it makes a difference!
Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For the Extras:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful meal will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, making a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This will give the chicken a lovely flavor!
2. Searing the Chicken:
In a large skillet or deep pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces skin-side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and sear the other side for an additional 3 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Cooking the Onions:
Using the same pan, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the onions are translucent. This step enhances the flavor of the dish!
4. Adding the Rice:
Add the rinsed rice directly into the pan and stir it around to coat it with the onion and any leftover pan juices. This will infuse the rice with flavor!
5. Preparing the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the chicken broth, barbecue sauce, and honey until well combined. This sweet and tangy sauce is what brings everything together!
6. Combining Everything:
Pour the sauce mixture over the rice in the pan. Stir gently to ensure the rice is evenly coated with the sauce.
7. Cooking Together:
Now, place the seared chicken pieces on top of the rice. Cover the pan with a lid, and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook covered for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through, achieving an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. Melting the Cheese (Optional):
If you want to add a cheesy touch, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken, cover again, and let it melt for about 2 minutes before serving.
9. Garnishing:
Before serving, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions on top for color and freshness. It’ll look as good as it tastes!
Enjoy your one-pan honey BBQ chicken and rice! It’s a quick, easy, and delicious meal you’ll want to make again and again!
FAQ: Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! However, it’s best to thaw it first. To thaw quickly, submerge the sealed chicken in cold water for about an hour or thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Make sure it reaches room temperature before cooking for even results!
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you don’t have honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can work as great substitutes. They will provide a similar sweetness to balance the barbecue sauce without altering the flavor profile too much.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or broccoli. Just sauté them with the onions to ensure they’re cooked through before adding the rice.
