This Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is a sweet and savory delight. Juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and a sticky honey BBQ sauce come together perfectly—all in just one pan!
You know what they say—less mess, more fun! I love how quickly this meal comes together, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a tasty dinner that requires minimal cleanup? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs provide juicy flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just note that they may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them!
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect here for fluffy texture. If you want a healthier option, brown rice works, but it will take longer to cook—around 25-30 minutes total.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand of BBQ sauce. I love using a smoky flavor for added depth. If you’re avoiding sugar, look for sugar-free BBQ sauce, or even make your own with tomato paste, vinegar, and spices.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness, but consider maple syrup or agave as alternatives if you prefer a different sweetness or have dietary restrictions.
How Do I Cook Perfectly Fluffy Rice in One Pan?
Cooking rice can sometimes be tricky, but with the right technique, it’s a breeze! You’re going for that restaurant-quality fluffy rice. Here’s how:
- Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch. This ensures it won’t be sticky.
- After adding broth and sauces, stir well to combine. This helps distribute flavors evenly.
- Keep the lid on while cooking! This traps steam to cook the rice properly. Resist the urge to peek!
- Let it rest covered for a few minutes after cooking. This step is essential for the rice to finish absorbing moisture.
Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes of cooking time. Altogether, you’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and delicious way to bring a hearty meal to the table with minimal fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides. This adds great flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil on medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned. Then, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside for now.
3. Toast the Rice:
In the same pan, add the rinsed rice and sauté it for 1-2 minutes. Stir frequently to lightly toast it, which helps to build flavor.
4. Add Cooking Liquids:
Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Give everything a good stir to combine the ingredients and ensure the rice is coated.
5. Return the Chicken:
Return the browned chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the mixture of rice and sauce.
6. Simmer and Cook:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it cook for 18-20 minutes. This allows the rice to soak up all the flavors!
7. Rest and Garnish:
After cooking, remove the pan from the heat and let it rest, still covered, for about 5 minutes. This helps to ensure everything is perfectly tender. If you want, sprinkle some chopped parsley or green onions on top before serving.
8. Enjoy Your Meal!
Serve this delicious honey BBQ chicken and rice warm. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s sure to please the whole family!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While the recipe suggests boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, you can also use chicken breasts. Just be mindful that they may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. Using bone-in skin-on chicken will also work, but you’ll need to extend the cooking time a bit for thorough cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Rice?
If you’re looking for a rice alternative, quinoa works great! Just ensure you adjust the liquid ratio to approximately 2 cups of liquid for every cup of quinoa and follow the cooking instructions on the package, as it might cook faster than rice.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or warm gently on the stove while adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen up the rice.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! If you’d like a kick of spice, consider adding a teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper to your seasoning mix or using a spicy BBQ sauce. You could also toss in some red pepper flakes for an extra burst of heat!
