Sizzling One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe for Dinner Joy

Crafting a mouthwatering one-pan bold honey bbq chicken rice promises an epic culinary adventure that simplifies weeknight cooking.

Savory aromas will instantly fill your kitchen with comfort and excitement.

Tender chicken pieces nestled in fluffy rice create a harmonious blend of sweet and smoky flavors.

Our streamlined method means minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

Carefully selected ingredients guarantee a delectable meal that comes together effortlessly.

Spices and honey combine to elevate this classic dish into something truly spectacular.

Essential Ingredients for Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

• Chicken Thighs or Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that creates a hearty base for this one-pan meal.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out the natural taste of the chicken.
• Honey BBQ Sauce: A sweet and tangy sauce that adds bold flavor and moisture to the dish.

• White Rice: A fluffy grain that absorbs the delicious sauce and broth.
• Chicken Broth: A savory liquid that helps cook the rice and infuse additional flavor.
• Cooking Oil: A small amount used to prevent sticking and help brown the chicken.

How to Cook One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Grab your chicken thighs or breasts and shower them with salt and pepper. Pat the seasonings gently into the meat to ensure full flavor coverage.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Heat a large skillet over medium flame and drizzle in some cooking oil. Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the pan, allowing each side to develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust for about 5-7 minutes.

The sizzling sound means deliciousness is happening!

Step 3: Welcome the Rice

Once the chicken looks beautifully bronzed, toss in the rice and swirl it around the pan.

Let the rice dance with the chicken’s juices for approximately one minute, creating incredible flavor foundations.

Step 4: Liquid Magic

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, watching it bubble and blend with the existing ingredients.

Bring the mixture to a gentle, rolling boil that promises delectable results.

Step 5: BBQ Transformation

Squirt in your favorite BBQ sauce, stirring carefully to ensure every grain of rice and chicken piece gets coated with that tangy, sweet goodness.

The aroma will start making mouths water instantly.

Step 6: Low and Slow Cooking

Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and let everything simmer peacefully.

Allow 20-25 minutes for rice to become perfectly tender and chicken to reach mouthwatering softness.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork.

Slice the chicken if you prefer, then serve this gorgeous one-pan wonder piping hot. Dinner is served!

Handy Tips for Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs interchangeably depending on your preference or what's available in your kitchen.
• Adjust the BBQ sauce quantity or choose a mild or spicy version to match your taste buds' heat tolerance.
• Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separate grains in the final dish.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top for added freshness and visual appeal right before serving.
• Prepare the dish in advance and reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

Variations to Change Up BBQ Chicken Rice

• Spicy Southwest Kick: Replace BBQ sauce with chipotle salsa, add diced green chilies, and sprinkle cayenne pepper for a fiery southwestern version.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap BBQ sauce for lemon juice, oregano, and olive oil, then top with crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley.
• Asian Teriyaki Remix: Substitute BBQ sauce with teriyaki sauce, mix in sliced green onions, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds for an east-meets-west flavor profile.
• Creamy Mushroom Comfort: Replace half the broth with cream of mushroom soup, add sautéed mushrooms, and mix in dried thyme for a rich, earthy variation.

Pairings That Match Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

• Flavor Boosting Beverage Pairing: Chill a crisp amber lager or pale ale that complements the sweet and tangy BBQ notes, cutting through the richness of the chicken.
• Refreshing Salad Sidekick: Toss a light coleslaw with apple cider vinegar dressing to provide a zesty, crunchy contrast that balances the honey BBQ's sweetness.
• Zesty Garnish Enhancement: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or green onions on top to add bright herbal notes and create a vibrant visual and flavor profile that lifts the entire dish.
• Smooth Cooling Companion: Serve a creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side, allowing diners to drizzle and customize their chicken rice experience with a cool, tangy finish.

Keeping Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Fresh

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers. Seal completely and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.

Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water or extra broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of broth or water. Stir gently and cover, heating for 3-4 minutes until thoroughly warmed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

FAQs

• How do I know if the chicken is cooked properly?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it’s safe to eat and remains juicy.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice typically requires more broth (about 2.5 cups) and might need an additional 10-15 minutes of cooking time.

• What type of BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?

A bold, slightly sweet honey BBQ sauce complements the chicken perfectly. Brands like Sweet Baby Ray’s or homemade sauces work great, but choose one you enjoy.

Bold Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice One-Pan Meal

• Minimize Kitchen Chaos: Tackle dinner with just one pan, cutting down on cleanup time and reducing the number of dishes you'll need to wash later.
• Flavor-Packed Simplicity: Combine bold honey BBQ sauce with perfectly seasoned chicken and fluffy rice for a mouthwatering meal that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Create a crowd-pleasing dinner that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a stress-free and enjoyable experience for everyone at the table.
• Quick Comfort Cooking: Prepare a satisfying and hearty meal in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

One-Pan Bold Honey Bbq Chicken Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice combines succulent chicken with sweet and tangy flavors in a single skillet. Hearty comfort meets effortless cooking, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Grains and Liquid Base:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) long-grain rice
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) BBQ sauce of your choice
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Oil for sauteing (optional)

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Instructions

1. Generously coat the chicken pieces with a robust seasoning blend of salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature, drizzle with cooking oil, and carefully place the seasoned chicken to create a golden-brown crust, approximately 5-6 minutes per side.
3. Introduce uncooked rice directly into the pan, stirring to absorb the savory chicken drippings and create a foundation of rich flavor.
4. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, creating a liquid base that will steam and cook the rice and protein simultaneously.
5. Drizzle honey BBQ sauce across the entire pan, gently stirring to distribute the tangy-sweet condiment evenly throughout the ingredients.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and allow the mixture to simmer for 22-24 minutes, transforming the raw ingredients into a cohesive, tender dish.
7. Remove from heat, let the meal rest for 3-4 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork and slice the chicken into appealing portions for serving.
8. Garnish with optional fresh herbs or additional drizzle of BBQ sauce to enhance the visual appeal and add a final flavor layer.

Notes

• Swap chicken cuts easily to match dietary needs or preferences without changing core cooking method.
• Opt for low-sodium broth and sugar-free BBQ sauce to reduce overall sodium and sugar content for health-conscious eaters.
• Boost flavor complexity by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during the sautéing stage for deeper taste dimensions.
• Ensure perfectly cooked rice by letting the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking, allowing moisture to distribute evenly and rice to become fluffy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 385 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg