One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious and easy meal that brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and sweet BBQ flavors. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss. All the ingredients cook together in one pan, saving you time on both cooking and cleaning.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is great for several reasons. First, it’s simple and quick to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can have a hearty meal ready in under 30 minutes. Second, it’s packed with flavor from the honey BBQ sauce, making it a hit with both kids and adults. Finally, cooking everything in one pan means less dishwashing — who doesn’t love that?

How to Make One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (honey or smoky style)
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or hot sauce for extra sweetness or heat

Directions

1. Dice chicken into bite-sized cubes and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté chopped onion for 2–3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Stir in the uncooked rice, letting it toast for about a minute.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine, scraping the bottom of the pan.
6. Return the chicken to the pan. Stir in the BBQ sauce.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
8. Fluff the rice gently. Let it sit for 5 minutes off the heat, then serve. You can add extra BBQ sauce on top if desired.

How to Serve One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Serve the dish hot, straight from the pan. It pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or even some bread for a complete meal. Feel free to top it with extra BBQ sauce, cilantro, or green onions for added flavor.

How to Store One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

To store leftovers, place the chicken rice in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in the microwave or in a pan on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Tips to Make One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

• Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. This helps achieve a nice golden color.
• If you like your dish spicier, add hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
• For extra sweetness, add a tablespoon of honey along with the BBQ sauce.

Variation

You can customize this recipe by switching out the chicken for shrimp or tofu. You can also try using different flavors of BBQ sauce for a unique twist, such as spicy or teriyaki.

FAQs

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so make sure to check the package for specific times.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free BBQ sauce and ensuring your chicken broth is also gluten-free.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container. It’s a great way to enjoy this meal later. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.