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One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

5 from 27 reviews

This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender seared chicken thighs simmered in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce with a medley of vibrant veggies and fluffy rice. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Honey BBQ Sauce

  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)

For the Rice & Veggies

  • 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1/2 cup chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prepare Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thoroughly with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until it develops a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
  2. Sauté Veggies: Using the same pan, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and soft. Then add the diced bell peppers and frozen corn, cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until they are slightly softened and flavorful.
  3. Add Rice & Liquid: Stir in the rinsed rice, ensuring it is well coated with the pan juices and mixed with the vegetables. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, ensuring the rice starts to cook evenly.
  4. Add Chicken & Honey BBQ Sauce: Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the pan atop the rice and veggies. In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce with honey, smoked paprika, and optional chili flakes, then drizzle this honey BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken and rice. Cover the pan tightly with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Finish & Garnish: Remove the pan from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the rice to fluff. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro over the top before serving warm.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat, or breasts for leaner options.
  • Adjust the chili flakes quantity or omit depending on your heat preference.
  • Be sure to rinse the rice to remove excess starch for fluffier results.
  • If using skin-on chicken, increase initial searing time to render fat.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Feel free to swap frozen corn for fresh when in season for added sweetness.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey BBQ chicken, one-pan meal, easy dinner, chicken and rice, weeknight recipe, BBQ sauce, quick skillet meal