BBQ Chicken and Rice just got easier This OnePan Honey BBQ
Welcome to BBQ Chicken and Rice Heaven!
Have you been searching for that perfect weeknight dinner that delivers big flavor without the big cleanup? My BBQ Chicken and Rice: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice recipe is about to become your new favorite!
As a busy mom myself, I’m always looking for dishes that bring the family running to the table. And trust me, this BBQ Chicken and Rice: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice does exactly that!
The sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce perfectly coats tender chicken pieces while the rice soaks up all those amazing flavors. Plus, it’s all made in just one pan!
Let me show you how to create this crowd-pleasing BBQ Chicken and Rice: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice that’s both budget-friendly and absolutely delicious. Your family will think you spent hours in the kitchen!
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more family time after enjoying your BBQ Chicken and Rice: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice!
- Sweet & Savory: The honey BBQ sauce creates the perfect balance of flavors that kids and adults both love!
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that won’t break your grocery budget!
- Versatile: Easily customize this BBQ Chicken and Rice with vegetables or spices your family enjoys!
- Foolproof: Even novice cooks can make this BBQ Chicken and Rice: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice with great results!
I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it never disappoints! Moreover, it’s become my go-to when I need a reliable crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights.
Let’s Talk Ingredients
The beauty of BBQ Chicken and Rice: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is in its simplicity. However, understanding each ingredient’s role will help you create the perfect dish!
Chicken
I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this BBQ Chicken and Rice: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice. They stay juicy and tender throughout cooking and absorb flavors beautifully.
You can substitute with chicken breasts if you prefer, but watch the cooking time carefully. Furthermore, cutting the pieces uniformly ensures they cook evenly.
Rice
Long-grain white rice works best for this BBQ Chicken and Rice recipe. It cooks perfectly in the same time the chicken needs and absorbs the flavors wonderfully.
Brown rice fans can use it too, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time and liquid amounts. Additionally, rinsing your rice removes excess starch for fluffier results.
Honey BBQ Sauce
The star of our BBQ Chicken and Rice: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice! I use a mix of store-bought BBQ sauce and honey for the perfect sweet-tangy balance.
Choose your favorite BBQ sauce as the base – whether you prefer smoky, spicy, or sweet. Then, the honey adds that special touch that makes this dish irresistible!
Aromatics & Seasonings
Onions, garlic, and bell peppers create the flavor foundation for our BBQ Chicken and Rice: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice. They add depth and complexity to every bite.
The combination of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of cayenne brings warmth without overwhelming heat. Subsequently, these spices complement the sweet honey BBQ perfectly. ️
How to Make BBQ Chicken and Rice: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Let me walk you through making the perfect BBQ Chicken and Rice: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice. This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps!
First, season your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Then, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil.
Add the chicken to the hot pan and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Next, remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
In the same pan, add diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Subsequently, add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Stir in the uncooked rice, toasting it for about 1-2 minutes. After that, pour in chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
In a small bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, honey, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Then, add half of this mixture to the rice, stirring to combine.
Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture. Consequently, bring everything to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
Cover and cook for 18-20 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken reaches 165°F. Finally, brush remaining BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken.
Garnish your BBQ Chicken and Rice: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice with chopped green onions and serve hot! Your family will be amazed by this delicious creation!
7 Pro Tips for Kitchen Success
- Pre-heat Properly: Make sure your pan is hot before adding chicken for the perfect sear on your BBQ Chicken and Rice: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice.
- Toast the Rice: This quick step adds nutty flavor and helps prevent your rice from becoming mushy.
- Season in Layers: Add seasoning at each step rather than all at once for more depth of flavor.
- Reserve Some Sauce: Brushing fresh sauce on at the end gives your BBQ Chicken and Rice that glossy, appetizing finish.
- ️ Don’t Peek: Keep the lid on while rice cooks to trap steam and ensure even cooking.
- ️ Use a Thermometer: Chicken should reach 165°F for safe, perfectly cooked BBQ Chicken and Rice: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice.
- ️ Rest Before Serving: Let the dish stand for 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld together.
Common Cooking Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best cooks make mistakes sometimes! Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when making BBQ Chicken and Rice: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice.
Overcrowding the pan when searing chicken will steam rather than sear it. Therefore, work in batches if necessary for that perfect golden crust.
Using cold chicken straight from the refrigerator can cause uneven cooking. Instead, let chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
Cooking over too high heat may burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Moreover, it can cause the rice to stick to the bottom of the pan.
Not measuring liquid accurately can result in crunchy or soggy rice. For perfect BBQ Chicken and Rice: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice, precise measurements matter!
Frequently Asked Questions
Over the years, I’ve received many questions about making BBQ Chicken and Rice: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice. Here are the most common ones answered!
Can I make BBQ Chicken and Rice ahead of time?
Yes! This BBQ Chicken and Rice: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice recipe reheats beautifully. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the rice from drying out. Then, cover and heat until warmed through.
Can I freeze leftover BBQ Chicken and Rice?
Absolutely! BBQ Chicken and Rice: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice freezes well for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers or bags.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Additionally, you may want to add a little extra BBQ sauce when warming it up to refresh the flavor.
What vegetables can I add to this recipe?
This BBQ Chicken and Rice: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice recipe is super versatile! Try adding corn, peas, diced zucchini, or even broccoli florets.
Add harder vegetables with the rice and softer ones in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Consequently, you’ll have a complete one-pan meal!
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! For slow cooker BBQ Chicken and Rice: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice, layer rice on the bottom, then chicken, sauce, and vegetables.
Cook on low for 4-5 hours, adding the rice in the last hour. However, the texture will be slightly different than the stovetop version.
BBQ Chicken and Rice: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Yields: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove to a plate.
- In the same pan, add diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the uncooked rice and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- In a small bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, honey, and Worcestershire sauce. Add half of this mixture to the rice and stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pan, nestling pieces into the rice mixture. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Brush remaining BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken pieces.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken and Rice: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice has become a staple in my household for good reason! It delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.
What I love most about this dish is its flexibility. You can easily adapt it to what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.
If you’re looking for more easy chicken and rice recipes, I have plenty more to share! Meanwhile, this BBQ Chicken and Rice: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is perfect for beginners.
I’d love to hear how your BBQ Chicken and Rice: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice turned out! Please share your experience in the comments below.
Happy cooking, friends! And remember, even on busy weeknights, a delicious homemade meal like this BBQ Chicken and Rice is always within reach! ️