This Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is a tasty and quick meal! It combines juicy chicken, sweet honey BBQ sauce, and fluffy rice all cooked together in one pan.
No one loves dish duty, right? So, the fact that it’s all made in one pan makes it a winner for me! I love enjoying it with a side of veggies for color. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicy and perfect for this dish. If you’re out of thighs, breasts work too! For a fun twist, you could use chicken drumsticks, just adjust the cooking time.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is the go-to here, but brown rice is a nutritious option. Just remember, brown rice takes a bit longer to cook, so you’d need to increase the liquid and cooking time.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness, but agave syrup or maple syrup can be used if you prefer. They also work great! Just note, agave is a bit sweeter than honey, so you might want to adjust the quantity.
Barbecue Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite barbecue sauce! If you want a kick, look for spicy sauces or even homemade versions. A mix of ketchup and hot sauce can also do the trick!
How Can I Ensure the Chicken is Juicy and Tender?
Getting juicy chicken is all about not overcooking them and searing them well! Here’s how:
- Start by preheating your pan to medium heat. That’s crucial for getting a good sear.
- After seasoning, give the chicken enough space in the pan so they don’t steam. Sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden.
- The chicken will finish cooking while it simmers with the rice, which keeps it moist.
Make sure to check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Once it hits 165°F, you’re all set!
Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
You can whip this meal up in about 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time. So, in just 40 minutes, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready for you and your family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Chicken:
Preheat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Place the chicken in the pan and sear it for about 4-5 minutes on each side until it’s nicely browned. After it’s done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for around 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant. This step is key because it builds a great flavor base for the dish!
3. Mix in the Rice:
Add the uncooked long-grain rice to the pan, stirring it together with the onion and garlic mixture for about 1 minute. This helps the rice absorb all those delicious flavors.
4. Combine the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the chicken broth, honey, and barbecue sauce until well combined. Pour this sauce mixture over the rice in the pan and stir everything well.
5. Simmer and Cook:
Place the seared chicken back on top of the rice mixture. Cover the pan with a lid and lower the heat. Let it simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is fully cooked through (aim for an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
6. Final Touch:
After 20-25 minutes, remove the lid and check the consistency. If you’d like the sauce to thicken a bit more, cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes. This will give it a lovely coat of BBQ deliciousness!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, if you’d like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for color and a little extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your meal!
Enjoy your easy and flavorful 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! Just ensure to thaw the chicken completely first for even cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method by placing it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Pat it dry before seasoning to avoid extra moisture in the pan.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking for a honey alternative, agave syrup or maple syrup works well. Remember that agave is sweeter than honey, so start with a little less and adjust to taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let them cool, then place them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to moisten it up.
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, typically around 40-45 minutes. You’ll also need to add more liquid—about 1 1/4 cups of chicken broth should do the trick. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure the rice is tender.
