Description
One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with perfectly cooked rice and mixed vegetables in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce. This easy, one-skillet recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, delivering a balanced and satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Rice and Sauce
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet and Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs evenly with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Toast the Rice: Using the same skillet, add 1 cup of long-grain white rice. Toast the rice by stirring frequently for 1 to 2 minutes. This step enhances the rice’s flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in 1 1/2 cups chicken broth and 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Stir everything well to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Chicken, Rice, and Vegetables: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet. Layer 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) on top of the chicken and rice. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and keep it covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to fully cook through. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best flavor and tenderness.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when cooking the rice.
- You can substitute frozen mixed vegetables with fresh vegetables if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish can be doubled easily to serve a larger group by using a bigger skillet or pan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch/Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: One-Pan,Honey BBQ Chicken,Rice,Easy Dinner,One-Skillet Meal,Chicken Thighs,Comfort Food,Quick Recipe,Weeknight Dinner
