Description
This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a savory honey BBQ sauce, fragrant spices, and perfectly cooked rice all in one skillet. With the addition of mixed vegetables steamed into the dish, this easy stovetop meal offers a comforting and flavorful dinner that requires minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights or casual family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice and Sauce
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey
Vegetables
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, season the chicken thighs or breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Once heated, add the chicken to the skillet and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until the chicken is browned and develops a nice crust.
- Prepare and Add Sauce: While the chicken is searing, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the browned chicken in the skillet, coating it well with the sauce.
- Add Rice and Broth: Add the long-grain rice and chicken broth to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Stir gently to combine all ingredients and distribute the rice evenly in the liquid.
- Simmer and Cook: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Vegetables to Steam: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the mixed vegetables on top of the rice and chicken. Cover the skillet again, allowing the vegetables to steam and soften.
- Rest and Serve: After cooking, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the rice finish absorbing any remaining liquid. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving for a well-mixed, flavorful dish.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs but thighs tend to stay juicier during cooking.
- Use fresh or frozen mixed vegetables based on preference; just adjust the steaming time slightly if needed.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of chili flakes to the BBQ sauce before pouring it over the chicken.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last few minutes of cooking to reduce liquid.
- This recipe can be doubled by using a larger skillet and increasing liquid proportionally.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: honey BBQ chicken, one pan dinner, chicken rice skillet, easy weeknight meal, BBQ chicken recipe, comfort food, quick chicken dinner
