This Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is a winner! Juicy chicken drumsticks and fluffy rice come together in one pan with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on drumsticks give flavor and stay juicy during cooking. You can substitute with chicken thighs or even boneless skinless chicken if you prefer, but adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster.
Rice: Long-grain white rice keeps the texture fluffy. If you don’t have it, you can use jasmine rice or even brown rice—just note that brown rice will take longer to cook.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or try a homemade version for a personal touch. If you want a lighter option, look for a low-sugar BBQ sauce.
Honey: Honey provides sweetness and enhances the BBQ flavor. If you need a substitute, maple syrup can work, but it will slightly change the flavor profile.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Searing Chicken?
Searing the chicken is important for building flavor. To get it just right, follow these steps:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken; this helps to lock in moisture.
- Don’t crowd the pan—give the chicken space to cook evenly.
- Let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a golden brown crust forms. Flip only once!
This technique not only enhances the chicken’s flavor but also adds depth to the whole dish. Happy cooking!
Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks (or thighs)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped parsley or green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 35-40 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll spend about 50 minutes creating this delicious one-pan meal—perfect for a quick dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Season:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, season your chicken drumsticks generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. You want those flavors to really soak in!
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large ovenproof skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Toast the Rice:
Now, in the same pan, add your rinsed rice and stir it for about 1 minute to lightly toast it. This step adds great flavor to the rice!
4. Add Broth and Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine everything. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen up all those tasty browned bits. In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce and honey together, then pour this mixture evenly over the rice.
5. Combine and Bake:
Place the seared chicken on top of the rice and sauce mixture. Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil to keep all the moisture in. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Rest and Serve:
Once it’s done, remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps everything settle. Before serving, sprinkle with some chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh touch!
Enjoy your delicious, easy one-pan honey BBQ chicken and rice! It’s a meal that brings smiles all around the table!
FAQ for Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Drumsticks?
Yes, you can! Boneless skinless chicken breasts will cook faster, so reduce the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes. Make sure to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No problem! You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or even water. Just keep in mind that using broth adds more flavor, so if using water, consider adding a little extra seasoning.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and rice mixture ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to cook, just add the chicken and bake as directed. This is perfect for busy weeknights!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if the rice seems dry.
