Introduction
Imagine a dish that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of barbecue with the comfort of a hearty rice meal, all cooked in one pan for ultimate convenience and flavor. Our One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is just that—a perfect blend of juicy chicken, sticky BBQ sauce, and perfectly cooked rice, making it an ideal weeknight dinner for busy families or a tasty meal for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
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Chicken thighs or breasts: 1 lb, boneless, skinless, diced into bite-sized cubes
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Long-grain rice: 1 cup
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Chicken broth: 2 cups
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BBQ sauce: ½ cup (your favorite brand)
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Honey: ¼ cup
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Garlic powder: 1 tsp
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Onion powder: 1 tsp
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Smoked paprika: ½ tsp
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Salt and black pepper: to taste
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Optional: 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, corn) and chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Preparation
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Season the diced chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned on all sides.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine your favorite BBQ sauce with honey until smooth. Pour this mixture over the browned chicken in the skillet, ensuring every piece is evenly coated with the bold, sweet sauce.
Step 3: Add Rice & Broth
Next, add the rice and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir gently to make sure the rice is evenly distributed and fully submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
Once the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked, remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Allow any remaining liquid to absorb for an additional 2–3 minutes with the lid off to perfect the consistency of the dish.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the dish straight from the pan, enjoying the rich flavors of the sticky BBQ-glazed chicken combined with the tender, flavorful rice. The simplicity and deliciousness of this meal come through in every bite.
Variation
For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ and honey mixture. For a smokier flavor, try using a smoked BBQ sauce or add a bit more smoked paprika.
Cooking Note
Ensure the rice does not stick to the bottom of the pan by occasionally stirring during the simmering process, especially as the liquid starts to absorb.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to add a fresh element to the hearty meal. A cold glass of lemonade or iced tea complements the sweet and tangy flavors of the dish perfectly.
Tips
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Chicken Prep: Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure it gets a nice sear.
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Rice Selection: Use a long-grain rice like Basmati or Jasmine for the best texture.
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Final Touch: Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions to add color and a touch of freshness right before serving.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
25 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Nutritional Information
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Calories: Approx. 500 per serving
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Protein: 28 grams per serving
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Sodium: 800 mg per serving
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Just add it in with the rice and broth and reduce the cooking time since you’re only heating it through.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the chicken for a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Conclusion
Enjoy Every Bite
With its delightful mix of flavors and textures, the One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a testament to how simple ingredients can transform into something spectacular. This dish not only satisfies your cravings for something sweet and savory but also caters to your need for a quick, easy-to-make meal. Give it a try tonight and watch it become a new favorite in your household!
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One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
Imagine a dish that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of barbecue with the comfort of a hearty rice meal, all cooked in one pan for ultimate convenience and flavor. Our One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is just that—a perfect blend of juicy chicken, sticky BBQ sauce, and perfectly cooked rice, making it an ideal weeknight dinner for busy families or a tasty meal for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
-
Chicken thighs or breasts: 1 lb, boneless, skinless, diced into bite-sized cubes
-
Long-grain rice: 1 cup
-
Chicken broth: 2 cups
-
BBQ sauce: ½ cup (your favorite brand)
-
Honey: ¼ cup
-
Garlic powder: 1 tsp
-
Onion powder: 1 tsp
-
Smoked paprika: ½ tsp
-
Salt and black pepper: to taste
-
Optional: 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, corn) and chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Season the diced chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned on all sides.
In a small bowl, combine your favorite BBQ sauce with honey until smooth. Pour this mixture over the browned chicken in the skillet, ensuring every piece is evenly coated with the bold, sweet sauce.
Next, add the rice and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir gently to make sure the rice is evenly distributed and fully submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes.
Once the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked, remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Allow any remaining liquid to absorb for an additional 2–3 minutes with the lid off to perfect the consistency of the dish.
Serve the dish straight from the pan, enjoying the rich flavors of the sticky BBQ-glazed chicken combined with the tender, flavorful rice. The simplicity and deliciousness of this meal come through in every bite.
Notes
Ensure the rice does not stick to the bottom of the pan by occasionally stirring during the simmering process, especially as the liquid starts to absorb.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: Approx. 500 per serving
- Sodium: 800 mg per serving
- Protein: 28 grams per serving