Looking for a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner? This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is the perfect meal for busy weeknights! Juicy, seasoned chicken thighs are seared to perfection, then simmered with long-grain rice in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Rice:
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
For the Honey BBQ Sauce:
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
For Garnish (Optional):
• Fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
• Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
• Season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the seasoned chicken thighs and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
• Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce
• In a small bowl, whisk together honey, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce until smooth.
4. Cook the Rice
• In the same skillet, add the uncooked rice and toast for about 1 minute, stirring frequently.
• Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
• Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables.
5. Combine Everything
• Place the seared chicken thighs back into the pan, resting them on top of the rice.
• Drizzle the honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and rice.
6. Simmer Until Done
• Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low.
• Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
• Fluff the rice with a fork and plate the chicken on top.
• Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
• Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
• Swap the Chicken: Instead of chicken thighs, you can use chicken breasts or bone-in chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the honey BBQ sauce for extra heat.
• Use Brown Rice: If using brown rice, increase the broth to 2 ½ cups and simmer for 35-40 minutes instead.
• Vegetable Variations: Swap the mixed veggies for broccoli, bell peppers, or green beans for a fresh twist.
• Try Different BBQ Sauces: Experiment with smoky, spicy, or honey mustard BBQ sauces to switch up the flavors.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigeration:
• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
• Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally until warm.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and season the chicken a day ahead. Store them separately and cook fresh when ready to serve.
What if I don’t have a lid for my skillet?
Use aluminum foil to cover the pan, sealing in the moisture while the rice cooks.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Sear the chicken using the Sauté function, then add the rice, broth, and veggies. Place the chicken on top, pour the sauce over it, and cook on Manual (High Pressure) for 8 minutes, followed by a natural release.
What sides pair well with this dish?
This dish is a complete meal, but you can serve it with coleslaw, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad for extra variety.
This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a hassle-free, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Try it today and enjoy the bold, sweet, and smoky flavors in every bite!