This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice Dinner is simple and tasty! Juicy chicken is cooked with sweet honey BBQ sauce and fluffy rice, all in one pan. Less mess means more fun!
You’ll love how everything cooks together, making it a breeze to clean up afterward. Plus, who can resist that sticky, sweet sauce? It’s like a party on your plate! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best here. If you prefer a leaner option, go for breasts. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving if overcooked. You can also use tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version!
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce to customize the flavor. If you want to make it healthier, look for a low-sugar option or try making homemade BBQ sauce with ketchup, vinegar, and spices.
Rice: Long grain white rice is perfect because it cooks evenly. If you’re looking for a healthier option, brown rice can be substituted, but you might need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness, but maple syrup is a great substitute if you’re vegan. The flavor will change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
How Do I Keep the Chicken Juicy and Tender?
To make sure your chicken stays juicy, don’t overcook it during the initial searing step. You’re just looking for a light golden color; it will cook more while simmering with rice. Here are a few tips:
- Season the chicken well before cooking to enhance flavor.
- Watch the time closely—3-4 minutes per side is enough!
- Cover the pan while it simmers. This traps moisture and helps keep the chicken tender.
Remember, letting it rest after cooking is key. This helps redistribute the juices, ensuring every bite is flavorful!
One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This flavorful dinner will take around 30 minutes to prepare and cook. With minimal prep and just one pan to clean afterward, it’s a quick and delicious meal for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by generously seasoning your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. This will help enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the pan and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until lightly golden. Keep in mind that the chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same pan, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. This adds a wonderful flavor to the dish!
4. Combine Rice and Broth:
Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir it into the garlic and oil, making sure each grain is coated. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and return the chicken pieces on top of the rice. In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, honey, and smoked paprika. Pour this BBQ honey mixture evenly over the chicken and rice.
6. Simmer to Perfection:
Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and simmer on low heat for about 18-20 minutes. This allows the rice to fully cook and the chicken to become tender.
7. Rest and Fluff:
Once the cooking time is up, remove the pan from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. After that, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your dish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions before serving. Enjoy your juicy honey BBQ chicken on a bed of flavorful, tender rice – all made in one pan for easy cleanup!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken completely in the fridge overnight or by using a cold water bath in a sealed bag. Cooking from frozen might affect the timing, so always ensure it’s fully thawed for even cooking.
Can I Substitute the Rice with Quinoa or Brown Rice?
Absolutely! You can use quinoa or brown rice, but be mindful of the cooking times. Brown rice typically requires more liquid (about 2 cups) and a longer cooking time (about 35-40 minutes). Quinoa cooks faster, so reduce the liquid to about 1 1/2 cups and cook for 15 minutes.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent dryness.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! To add a kick, consider mixing in some chopped jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even using a spicier BBQ sauce. Just adjust according to your heat preference!
