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When I create One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice, I love using fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need to make this tasty dish: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 1 ½ cups chicken broth - ½ cup honey - ½ cup BBQ sauce - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup mixed bell peppers, diced - ½ cup corn - 2 green onions, sliced Each ingredient adds a unique flavor. The chicken thighs stay juicy, while the rice soaks up all the yummy sauce. Honey and BBQ sauce create a sweet and tangy mix. Bell peppers and corn add color and crunch. This one-pan dish makes cooking easy and fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large skillet and heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. This oil helps the chicken cook nicely. Now, season the four chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure to cover both sides. Place the chicken in the hot skillet. Sear each side for about four to five minutes. You want them golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add one cup of long-grain white rice. Pour in one and a half cups of chicken broth, half a cup of honey, and half a cup of BBQ sauce. Stir the mixture well to combine. This will ensure no clumps of rice stick together. The sweet honey and BBQ sauce will add great flavor to the rice. Next, it's time to add some color and nutrition. Stir in one cup of diced mixed bell peppers and half a cup of corn. Make sure to distribute them evenly over the rice. This way, you get bites of veggies with every scoop. Now, take those seared chicken thighs and layer them back on top of the rice and veggies. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer. This should take about 20 to 25 minutes. You want the rice to be tender and soak up most of the liquid. After simmering, remove the skillet from the heat. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently. This helps separate the grains. Finally, garnish the dish with two sliced green onions. They add a fresh touch and look great on top. Enjoy your One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice! To make great rice, you need to use the right liquid. For this recipe, I use a 1:1.5 ratio of rice to chicken broth. This helps the rice absorb the flavors well. Always rinse the rice before cooking. This removes excess starch and helps prevent it from getting mushy. To avoid mushy rice, keep an eye on the cooking time. If you follow the simmering instructions, your rice will turn out fluffy. Once the rice is done, let it rest for a few minutes before fluffing it. This step helps the rice grains separate. To get juicy chicken, sear the thighs well. I recommend cooking them for 4-5 minutes on each side. This creates a nice golden crust that locks in moisture. Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. This step is key for great flavor. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. This way, you ensure the chicken is safe to eat and still tender. When serving, I like to present the dish right from the skillet. This gives a cozy and rustic feel. You can sprinkle extra green onions on top for a pop of color. Pair this dish with fresh coleslaw or a simple salad. This adds crunch and balances the rich flavors. You can also serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the honey and BBQ sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will enhance the taste and tenderness of the chicken. Use Fresh Herbs: Consider adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley as a garnish. They add a vibrant flavor and freshness that complements the dish beautifully. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of honey or BBQ sauce. You can also balance it out with a splash of vinegar for a tangy kick. Check Rice Consistency: If the rice isn’t fully cooked after the suggested time, add a little more chicken broth and continue to simmer until it reaches your desired texture. {{image_2}} You can easily swap out the chicken thighs for other proteins. Chicken breast works well if you prefer lean meat. For a plant-based option, try tofu. Tofu absorbs flavors nicely and is a great choice. You can also change the rice. Long-grain white rice is classic, but brown rice adds more fiber. Quinoa is another fun option. It cooks quickly and gives a nice nutty taste. If you like spicy food, add hot sauce or chili flakes. This gives the dish a nice kick. You can also mix in fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. They add a burst of flavor and freshness. Use seasonal veggies to keep things fresh. In summer, add zucchini or corn. In fall, try butternut squash or sweet potatoes. These add color and nutrition. You can also mix in other veggies like peas or carrots. They all work well and make the dish more vibrant. To keep your One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice fresh, follow these steps: - Let the dish cool down to room temperature. - Store it in an airtight container. - Refrigerate it within two hours to prevent bacteria growth. - This dish can last in the fridge for up to three days. Using glass or plastic containers with tight lids works best. They help keep moisture in and odors out. Reheating your leftovers is easy. Here are two methods: 1. Microwave: - Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl. - Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. - Heat on medium for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check if it's hot all the way through. 2. Skillet Method: - Heat a skillet over medium heat. - Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. - Place the chicken and rice in the skillet. - Cover and heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Both methods work well, but the skillet gives a nice texture. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Here’s how: - Let the dish cool completely before freezing. - Divide it into portions and place in freezer-safe bags or containers. - Press out excess air before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, follow the same skillet or microwave methods. Make sure it’s heated all the way through before serving. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. You can do this by leaving it in the fridge overnight. If you are in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Just be careful not to start cooking the chicken. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh and tasty. The best barbecue sauce is one you love. Some people prefer sweet sauces, while others like spicy ones. I recommend trying different brands. Each one brings its own unique flavor to the dish. Yes, you can make this dish without honey. You can try using maple syrup or agave nectar instead. They both add sweetness and work well with BBQ sauce. Yes, you can make a vegetarian version. Use tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken. You can also swap rice for quinoa, and add more veggies for a colorful meal. This dish combines chicken, rice, and vegetables into a hearty meal. You learned how to sear chicken, cook the rice, and add perfect veggies. Tips help you avoid mushy rice and keep chicken juicy. Variations let you switch ingredients for different tastes. Proper storage ensures tasty leftovers. Cooking with love and care will make this meal a hit. Enjoy your cooking journey!

One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

A delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring honey BBQ chicken, rice, and colorful vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1.5 cups chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup honey
  • 0.5 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup mixed bell peppers, diced
  • 0.5 cup corn
  • 2 pieces green onions, sliced

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the rice, chicken broth, honey, and BBQ sauce. Stir well to combine, ensuring there are no clumps.
  • Stir in the diced bell peppers and corn, distributing them evenly over the rice.
  • Place the seared chicken thighs back on top of the rice mixture. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  • Once done, remove the skillet from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic look. Pair with fresh coleslaw for added crunch.
Keyword chicken, easy dinner, honey BBQ, one-pan, rice