This Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is a total time-saver! Juicy chicken is cooked with delicious honey BBQ sauce and fluffy rice all in one pan—less mess, more yum!
I love how the flavors blend together while cooking, making it even tastier. Plus, it’s perfect for busy nights. Just throw it all in the pan and relax while dinner cooks! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is the star here. If you prefer, you can use thighs for more flavor and moisture. And if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or tofu instead!
Rice: Long-grain white rice works best, but you can swap it for brown rice or quinoa. Just remember that cooking times will change with these alternatives!
Honey: It gives the BBQ sauce a sweet twist. If you’re vegan or avoiding sugar, agave syrup or maple syrup can be good substitutes. They still deliver that sweetness!
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite! Homemade BBQ sauce is also a fantastic choice, allowing you to control the sweetness and spiciness. Can’t find it? Try a mix of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce for a quick fix.
How Do You Get the Chicken Cooked Just Right?
Cooking chicken evenly while getting that nice brown color can be tricky. Here’s a simple guide:
- Prep your chicken and season it before it hits the pan. This enhances the flavor right from the start!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If it’s too crowded, the chicken will steam instead of sear.
- Cook until just browned on the outside; it doesn’t need to be fully cooked before adding it back later.
- This keeps the chicken tender, as it’ll finish cooking during the rice simmer.
Trust me, you’ll love the juicy results when you take your time with the chicken!
Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This entire dish takes about 30-40 minutes to make. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the chicken and rice, then about 20 minutes letting everything simmer together. The result is a delicious, one-pan meal the whole family will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Pan:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. This will help brown the chicken perfectly.
2. Season the Chicken:
While the pan is heating, season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder. This adds great flavor right from the start!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Add the seasoned chicken to the pan, cooking for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally. You want it lightly browned, but it doesn’t need to be cooked through just yet. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same pan, add your minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. This will elevate the dish’s aroma!
5. Toast the Rice:
Next, stir in your rinsed rice, allowing it to toast for 1-2 minutes. This helps to enhance the rice’s flavor.
6. Combine Everything:
Now, pour in the chicken broth, honey, and BBQ sauce. Stir everything together until combined.
7. Return Chicken to the Pan:
Put the chicken back into the pan, spreading it evenly over the rice mixture.
8. Simmer:
Bring everything to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan tightly with a lid. Let it cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice and chicken are fully cooked.
9. Rest and Fluff:
Once done, remove the pan from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes with the lid on. This will help steam everything together nicely! After resting, fluff the rice with a fork, gently mixing the chicken and sauce into the rice.
10. Serve and Garnish:
Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the top for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your flavorful and easy one-pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice!
This dish is not just easy to make but also perfect for busy weeknights. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Can I Use Different Types of Rice?
Yes, you can! While long-grain white rice is recommended, you can use brown rice or quinoa if you prefer. Just note that cooking times may vary—brown rice will take longer, so adjust the broth and simmer time accordingly.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking for a substitute, agave syrup or maple syrup work well for a similar sweetness. For a lower-calorie option, consider using a sugar substitute designed for cooking, but be aware of the differences in taste.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! To add a kick, mix in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the BBQ sauce before cooking. You can also serve it with sliced jalapeños for more heat!
