This Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is comfort food at its best! Juicy chicken cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce with fluffy rice. Plus, everything is made in one pan—yay for easy cleanup!
I love watching the rice soak up all that delicious BBQ flavor. It’s like a party in my mouth! And honestly, who can resist a meal that cooks itself while I relax? 🍗🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a tender texture. If you prefer, you can use thighs for a richer flavor, or even substitute with tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based option.
Rice: Long-grain white rice works best here, but you can use brown rice or quinoa if you want more fiber. Just remember to check the cooking time and liquid ratios for those grains!
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce to keep things simple. You can also make a homemade version if you enjoy mixing flavors. A sweet and tangy sauce works best, but feel free to swap it with teriyaki or sweet chili sauce for a different twist!
Honey: The honey adds sweetness and shine. If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, try maple syrup or agave nectar. You can also reduce the amount if you prefer less sweetness.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Rice in a One-Pan Meal?
Cooking rice perfectly in a one-pan dish is key to getting that fluffy texture you want. Here are some tips:
- Rinse the rice before cooking to remove extra starch. This helps prevent it from being gummy.
- Don’t stir the rice once you pour in the sauce. Letting it cook undisturbed lets the flavors meld without breaking the grains.
- Cover the pan tightly—this keeps the steam in, which is essential for cooking the rice completely.
Following these steps will leave you with deliciously fluffy rice soaked in that amazing honey BBQ flavor!
Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped, for garnish
Time Estimate:
This delicious meal takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes prepping and cooking the chicken, followed by about 20 minutes to cook the rice and let the flavors meld together. Less time in the kitchen means more time to enjoy your meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s just golden on all sides. This step seals in the flavor.
2. Prepare the BBQ Sauce:
While the chicken is cooking, grab a small bowl and whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey until well combined. This mix will add a sweet and tangy kick to the dish. Set the sauce aside for now.
3. Combine Rice and Broth:
After searing the chicken, add your rinsed rice into the same pan. Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and give it a gentle stir to combine everything. Make sure the rice is evenly distributed around the chicken.
4. Add the BBQ Sauce:
Next, pour the BBQ honey sauce evenly over the chicken and rice mixture. Resist the urge to stir at this point; just let the sauce sit on top. This way, the flavors will absorb nicely into the chicken and rice as they cook!
5. Simmer It:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan tightly with a lid and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes. This will allow the rice to cook through and soak up all that delicious sauce.
6. Let It Rest:
Once the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, remove the pan from the heat. Let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. This resting period helps the flavors meld together, just like a cozy family gathering!
7. Fluff and Serve:
After resting, take a fork and fluff the rice gently. Stir everything together lightly to combine the chicken with the sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
8. Enjoy Your Meal:
Dish up your easy one-pan honey BBQ chicken and rice while it’s warm. This tasty dish is sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice! Just keep in mind that brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking time—about 35-40 minutes. Use 2 cups of broth instead of 1 1/2 cups for better results.
What Can I Use Instead of Honey?
If you prefer not to use honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness. Alternatively, reduce the amount to fit your taste if you’re aiming for less sweetness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove—you might need a splash of broth or water to loosen it up!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or corn. Stir them in after adding the rice and broth so they can cook evenly along with everything else. Enjoy the added flavors and nutrition!
