This Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is a simple and tasty dish! With juicy chicken cooked in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, it’s sure to please everyone.
I love how it all cooks together in one pan, making clean-up a breeze. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a meal that combines protein and carbs in one delicious bite?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish because they cook evenly. If you prefer, you can use thighs for more flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
Rice: Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe. However, you could substitute it with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier grain. Just remember that cooking times will vary!
BBQ Sauce: Your favorite BBQ sauce is key! Don’t hesitate to swap it for a homemade version or a different flavor like honey mustard BBQ. It will change the dish but keep it delicious!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness. If you want a lower-sugar option, you can use maple syrup or even agave syrup as an alternative.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Rice and Chicken Together?
Cooking rice and chicken simultaneously can be tricky, but this method makes it easier! Here’s how to ensure everything cooks perfectly:
- Start by browning the chicken well; this adds flavor.
- After browning, remove it and sauté the rice in the same pan for 1-2 minutes. This adds a nice depth of flavor from the chicken juices!
- Pour in the liquid mixture carefully and lower the heat once the chicken is back on. It’s essential to let it steam covered to ensure the rice cooks evenly.
- Finally, resting the dish covered for 5 minutes after cooking helps the rice settle and absorb any remaining liquid.
Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This will give them a fantastic flavor.
2. Brown the Chicken:
In a large skillet or deep pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the pan and brown them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden and cooked almost through. This step adds a nice color and flavor!
3. Prepare the Sauce:
While the chicken is browning, grab a bowl and mix together the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. This sweet and tangy mixture is what makes the dish so tasty!
4. Sauté the Rice:
Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside temporarily. Now add the rice to the same pan and stir it around in the leftover oil for about 1-2 minutes. This helps to toast the rice a bit and adds extra flavor.
5. Combine Everything:
Now pour in the BBQ, honey, and broth mixture and stir everything together. Make sure the rice is well coated.
6. Place the Chicken Back:
Carefully lay the browned chicken back on top of the rice mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
7. Rest and Garnish:
After the cooking time is up, remove the pan from heat and let it rest covered for 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for an extra pop of color and freshness!
Enjoy your flavorful, easy one-pan honey BBQ chicken and rice!
FAQ for Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option. Proper thawing ensures even cooking.
What Can I Substitute for the Honey in This Recipe?
If you want to reduce sugar or don’t have honey on hand, maple syrup or agave syrup can be perfect substitutes! They will slightly alter the flavor but still provide that sweet element to the dish.
How Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the chicken and rice mixture ahead of time! Just follow the steps up until you combine everything in the pan, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just add an extra few minutes to the cooking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating!
