This Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is a simple dinner that everyone will love! Juicy chicken meets sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, all cooked right in one pan with fluffy rice.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy cooking and tender pieces. If you prefer, you can substitute with chicken thighs for more juiciness.
Rice: Long-grain white rice works best here, but you can easily swap for jasmine or basmati rice. Just keep an eye on the water ratio as it might differ slightly.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for flavor. If you’re low on BBQ sauce, you could use teriyaki or a homemade mixture of ketchup and soy sauce as a substitute.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness to balance the BBQ sauce. Maple syrup is a good alternative if you have dietary concerns or just want a different flavor.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked in One Pan?
Cooking chicken pieces evenly is key to this dish. Start by seasoning your chicken well and cooking it until it’s lightly browned but not fully cooked. This keeps it juicy while finishing in the pan with the rice and sauce.
- Heat oil in the pan and ensure it’s hot before adding chicken.
- Cook chicken in a single layer to get an even sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if needed, cook in batches.
By returning the chicken to the pan at the right time, it will finish cooking perfectly in the BBQ sauce’s warmth.
Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful meal takes around 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight dinner, and the one-pan method means you won’t have a mountain of dishes to wash afterward!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Pan:
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to brown the chicken nicely without burning it.
2. Season the Chicken:
In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder. This will ensure your chicken is deliciously flavored.
3. Sear the Chicken:
Add the seasoned chicken to the pan and let it cook for about 4-5 minutes. You want it nicely browned but not fully cooked yet. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
4. Sauté Garlic:
In the same pan, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds. You want to fragrance the garlic without letting it burn.
5. Toast the Rice:
Add the rinsed rice to the pan, stirring it with the garlic for about 1-2 minutes to toast it just a little. This adds a nice flavor to the rice!
6. Prepare the Broth:
Now, pour the chicken broth (or water) into the pan and bring it to a boil. The broth will give the rice lots of flavor while it cooks.
7. Simmer the Rice:
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for around 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
8. Mix the BBQ Sauce:
While the rice is cooking, whisk together the barbecue sauce and honey in a small bowl. This sweet tangy sauce will coat the chicken perfectly.
9. Combine Chicken and Rice:
When the rice is almost ready, return the chicken to the pan, placing it evenly on top of the rice. This way, the flavors combine beautifully!
10. Add the Sauce:
Pour the honey BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken and rice, ensuring everything is nicely coated.
11. Cook and Breathe in the Aroma:
Cover the pan and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. This will make sure the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the sauce is bubbling with goodness.
12. Let it Rest:
Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit covered for about 2-3 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld together.
13. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off by garnishing with chopped fresh parsley or slice green onions. Serve hot and enjoy this delightful one-pan meal!
Happy cooking! Enjoy your easy, flavorful One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice!
FAQ for Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind it takes longer to cook. You’ll need to adjust the liquid amount to about 2 1/4 cups and increase the cooking time to around 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.
What BBQ Sauce Works Best?
Use your favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe! Sweet, tangy, or smoky varieties all work well. Feel free to experiment with different brands or homemade sauces to find the flavor you love best!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or peas. Sauté them along with the garlic before adding the rice for an extra nutritious and colorful meal!
