This yummy recipe brings together juicy chicken and fluffy rice, all cooked in one pan. Plus, it’s drizzled with sweet honey BBQ sauce for a tasty twist!
I love that it’s so easy to make and cleans up fast! Just toss everything in the pan, and dinner is ready without a lot of fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish because they cook quickly and stay juicy. You can also use thighs for extra flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian version!
Barbecue Sauce: Any BBQ sauce you like works! Consider using a sugar-free variety if you’re looking to cut back on sweetness. Homemade BBQ sauce can also be a fun alternative.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is recommended for its light texture. If you prefer brown rice, you’ll need to increase the cooking time and add more liquid, about 2 cups per cup of rice.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and gloss. If you’re vegan, maple syrup or agave nectar can work as a substitute.
How Can I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Rice?
Getting rice just right can be tricky! Follow these simple steps to achieve fluffy grains every time:
- First, rinse the rice! This helps remove excess starch, preventing it from becoming mushy.
- When adding chicken broth, stick to the right ratio—1.5 cups of liquid for every cup of rice.
- Keep the lid on while cooking to trap steam, which is essential for the rice to cook evenly. Avoid lifting the lid until the time’s up.
- Let the rice sit off the heat for a few minutes after cooking. This helps it firm up!
Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, so you’ll be enjoying your delicious honey BBQ chicken and rice in about 30 minutes! It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. This helps them cook quickly and evenly. Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine mesh strainer to get rid of excess starch, which will help keep it fluffy.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken chunks. Season them with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides. It’s okay if it’s not fully cooked; it will finish cooking later.
3. Add the Garlic and Rice:
Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 1 minute, stirring until fragrant. Next, stir in the rinsed rice, making sure it’s well coated with the oil and chicken juices for flavor.
4. Simmer:
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring everything to a simmer. Once bubbling, cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Make sure not to lift the lid while it cooks!
5. Finish It Off:
In a small bowl, combine the barbecue sauce and honey. Once the rice is done, drizzle this mixture over the chicken and rice directly in the pan. Gently stir everything to combine and warm the sauce for about 2 minutes, ensuring every bite is deliciously coated.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top for a fresh touch. Serve the dish hot directly from the pan, and enjoy your easy, tasty meal with family or friends!
FAQs About Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. It’s safest to thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Pat the chicken dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
What Can I Use Instead of Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or even water. Just keep in mind that broth adds extra flavor, so adding a little more seasoning might be necessary if you go with water.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to restore moisture while reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! You can add some cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or your favorite hot sauce to the chicken before cooking to give it an extra kick. Just adjust the amount based on your preference for spice.
