Looking for an effortless, no-fuss dinner that delivers big flavor? Say hello to One‑Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. This dish brings together juicy chicken, honey-laced BBQ sauce, and perfectly cooked rice—all in one skillet for minimal cleanup and maximum taste. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or feeding a family on the weekend, this dish will satisfy without the stress.
Why You’ll Love This One‑Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Minimal cleanup: One pan means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy dinner.
- Bold, family-friendly flavor: Sweet, tangy BBQ sauce meets savory chicken and rice.
- Comfort food meets convenience: Hearty, nutritious, and ready in under 40 minutes.
- Adaptable for any season: Enjoy it warm in winter or lightened up in summer.
- Perfect for leftovers or easy meal prep.
Ingredients
This recipe serves 4 comfortably. You’ll need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil for sautéing (optional)
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce of your choice (honey BBQ recommended)
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
1. Prep and Season the Chicken
Season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and pepper. Thighs offer more flavor and moisture, while breasts are a leaner choice.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Once hot, sear the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden. Don’t worry about fully cooking the chicken—it will finish in the rice.
3. Add the Rice
Stir in the rice and toast it for about 1 minute to deepen the flavor and keep the texture from becoming mushy.
4. Pour in the Broth
Add 2 cups chicken broth, scrape the bottom of the pan, and bring to a light boil.
5. Mix in BBQ Sauce
Stir in ½ cup of BBQ sauce evenly. This creates a bold, savory-sweet base that infuses the rice with flavor.
6. Simmer
Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
7. Fluff and Serve
Remove from heat, fluff the rice, and slice or shred the chicken as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Chicken choices: Thighs stay moist, while breasts are lower in fat—both work great.
- Rice varieties: Jasmine or basmati add aromatic notes; adjust broth slightly as needed.
- Spice it up: Add cayenne, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Add-ins: Stir in corn, bell peppers, or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added nutrition and texture.
- BBQ upgrade: Use your favorite brand, or mix BBQ sauce with a little honey and hot sauce for a personal touch.
Meal Prep & Leftover Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave with a splash of broth or reheat in a skillet over low heat.
- Freeze: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Make ahead: Sear the chicken and prep the rice mix earlier in the day, then simmer fresh at dinner time.
Why This Dish Works
This one-pan wonder is built for simplicity. By searing the chicken first, we lock in flavor. Toasting the rice gives it texture, while simmering everything together infuses the grains with bold BBQ notes. The result is a tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken-and-rice combo that never fails to impress.
Final Thoughts
One‑Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is the kind of dish that earns its spot in your weekly rotation. With everyday pantry ingredients and simple steps, it delivers hearty, flavorful results every time. You can dress it up or down depending on what’s in your fridge, making it endlessly adaptable. Plus, it’s a time-saver—perfect for families, meal preppers, or anyone who loves a great-tasting dinner without the mess.
The Goods
One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
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Recipes
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for sautéing optional
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce of your choice honey BBQ recommended
Instructions
Prep and Season the Chicken
- Season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and pepper. Thighs offer more flavor and moisture, while breasts are a leaner choice.
Sear the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Once hot, sear the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden. Don’t worry about fully cooking the chicken—it will finish in the rice.
Add the Rice
- Stir in the rice and toast it for about 1 minute to deepen the flavor and keep the texture from becoming mushy.
Pour in the Broth
- Add 2 cups chicken broth, scrape the bottom of the pan, and bring to a light boil.
Mix in BBQ Sauce
- Stir in ½ cup of BBQ sauce evenly. This creates a bold, savory-sweet base that infuses the rice with flavor.
Simmer
- Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Fluff and Serve
- Remove from heat, fluff the rice, and slice or shred the chicken as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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