One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

When you’re craving a hearty, flavor-packed meal with minimal cleanup, One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is the perfect solution. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with a sweet and smoky honey BBQ glaze, all cooked together with perfectly seasoned rice. The result? A satisfying, one-skillet meal that balances bold barbecue flavors with rich, caramelized undertones. Ideal for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup long-grain rice (or your preferred rice)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

• Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
• Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 2 minutes).
• Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and sear both sides until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
• Cook the Rice: In the same skillet, add the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast it.
• Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix honey and BBQ sauce together. Pour this mixture over the rice, then add chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the rice. Cover and let everything simmer over low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
• Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Pro Tips and Variations:

• For extra flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture for a deeper, savory taste.
• Rice Variations: You can substitute the rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a different texture.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in some bell peppers, corn, or peas for added color and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Want some heat? Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
• Grill Option: Grill the chicken separately if you prefer a smoky flavor, then add it to the pan with the rice for the final simmer.

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy this delicious One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice for a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor.