This Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is a yummy dinner that’s super simple to make! With juicy chicken dripping in tasty BBQ sauce and fluffy rice, you’ll love every bite.
The best part? No need for lots of dishes! Just toss everything in one pan, and you can relax while it cooks. I always sneak a taste of that sweet honey BBQ sauce—it’s just too good! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless thighs for juiciness, but breasts work too! If you’re looking for a healthier option, try skinless, boneless chicken breasts, or even grilled chicken leftovers.
BBQ Sauce: Your favorite store-bought variety makes this recipe easy. If you’re looking for a homemade option, mix ketchup with a bit of vinegar, brown sugar, and spices. Just make sure it’s sweet for that lovely honey BBQ flavor!
Honey: While honey adds great sweetness, maple syrup or agave nectar are perfect substitutes if you have them on hand. They lend a similar sweetness that works well with BBQ sauce.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is my pick here, but you can swap it with brown rice or jasmine rice. Just remember, brown rice may need more liquid and a longer cooking time.
Cheese: If you’re not a cheese fan, feel free to skip it, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative if you’re lactose intolerant!
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Stays Juicy and Flavorful?
Searing the chicken is key to locking in the juices and adding a lovely flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Always pat the chicken dry to encourage browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Give the chicken space to sear properly.
- Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping to get that golden crust.
- Using chicken thighs helps because they stay juicy even if slightly overcooked.
Also, adding the delicious BBQ sauce mix directly after is perfect for infusing flavor into the chicken as it cooks. Just remember to cover the pan while it cooks for the best results!
How to Make 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 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 cup diced onion (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes total to cook. That means you can have a delicious, home-cooked meal ready in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps it brown nicely. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, placing it in the pan away from you to avoid splatters. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant. This adds great flavor to your dish!
4. Toast the Rice:
Add the rice to the pan with the onions and garlic. Stir well to coat the rice with the oil. Toast the rice for about 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
5. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Stir well to mix them together. Then pour this mixture over the rice in the pan, making sure everything is well combined.
6. Combine Everything:
Place the seared chicken back on top of the rice mixture in the pan. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes. This allows the rice to cook through and the chicken to finish cooking.
7. Add Cheese (Optional):
If you’d like to add cheese, sprinkle it over the chicken and rice after the cooking time is up. Cover the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts nicely.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is cooked, remove the pan from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color. Scoop onto plates and serve hot!
Enjoy your delicious, one-pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice! It’s not only easy to make but also perfect for busy nights!
FAQ for Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can! Just remember that brown rice requires more cooking time and liquid. Use about 1 1/4 cups of chicken broth and cook for approximately 30-35 minutes, covered, until tender.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
While fresh chicken is recommended for even cooking, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it completely before seasoning and searing to ensure it cooks evenly through the rice.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water when warming it up in the microwave or on the stove, as this helps to retain moisture.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice and sauce mixture ahead of time, but I recommend cooking it fresh for the best texture. If you do prep in advance, store the components separately in the fridge and assemble just before cooking.
