This tasty honey BBQ chicken and rice is a breeze to make in just one pan! Juicy chicken pieces melt in your mouth, while the rice soaks up all that sweet BBQ flavor.
I love how everything cooks together, saving me from extra dishes! It’s the perfect dinner for busy days, and I sometimes sneak in veggies for a little extra color. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless thighs for juicy results, but chicken breasts work too. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, go for skinless breasts. You could also use diced tofu for a vegetarian version.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is best here as it cooks nicely and absorbs flavors. You can swap it for brown rice, but add extra cooking time and possibly more liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce. Sweet, tangy, or spicy—you pick! If you’re out, a mix of ketchup and a dash of vinegar can work in a pinch. You can also make your own BBQ sauce for a fresh flavor.
Onion and Garlic: These add depth to the dish. If you’re not a fan, shallots or leeks can be used instead. You can use garlic powder if you’re out of fresh garlic—just 1/2 teaspoon should do.
What’s the Best Way to Cook One-Pan Meals Efficiently?
Cooking everything in one pan saves both time and dishes! Here are some tips for success:
- Prep Ahead: Chop your onions and garlic in advance. This speeds up cooking time when you’re ready to make your meal.
- Don’t Rush the Searing: Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken; this gives a nice color and flavor.
- Keep it Covered: While it simmers, keep the lid on to trap steam. This helps the rice cook thoroughly.
- Gradual Veggie Addition: If adding frozen peas or bell peppers, add them halfway through cooking, so they maintain some crunch and color.
With these tips and ingredient suggestions, your honey BBQ chicken and rice should turn out deliciously every time! Enjoy cooking!
Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or diced bell peppers for added veggies
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful one-pan dish will take approximately 10 minutes to prep and about 25-30 minutes to cook. Altogether, you’re looking at around 40 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together honey and BBQ sauce. This will create a delicious topping for your chicken and rice. Set it aside for later!
2. Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. While that heats up, season your chicken with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pan and sear it until it’s golden brown on both sides, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. When done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
Using the same pan, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. This is where the magic begins!
4. Toast the Rice:
Stir in your rinsed rice and add a little toast to it! Cook and stir for 1-2 minutes to give the rice a slight flavor boost.
5. Add Liquids and Chicken:
Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything well, scraping any tasty bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring your chicken back to the pan, placing it on top of the rice.
6. Drizzle and Simmer:
Now, drizzle that sweet honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and rice mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. If you want to add frozen peas or diced bell peppers, throw them in about 10 minutes into cooking!
7. Let it Rest:
Once it’s ready, remove the pan from heat and let it sit covered for about 5 minutes for the flavors to settle in.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off your dish by garnishing it with fresh parsley or chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy this delicious meal with family or friends!
Enjoy your flavorful and easy one-pan honey BBQ chicken and rice!
FAQ for Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it before cooking. To thaw, place the frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight or seal it in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or water with a bouillon cube as an alternative. Just keep in mind that broth adds flavor, so using a decent substitute will keep the dish tasty!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave until fully heated through.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add more veggies like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini. Just ensure they are cut into small pieces so they cook evenly. Add them at the same time as the peas or bell peppers for best results!
