Description
One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is a hearty and easy-to-make meal combining tender, flavorful chicken thighs glazed with honey BBQ sauce and perfectly cooked rice infused with spices. This one-skillet recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal cleanup while delivering delicious, comforting flavors accented with colorful mixed vegetables and optional fresh green onions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Rice & Sauce
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
Vegetables & Garnish
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare and Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs evenly with salt and black pepper. Place them in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Toast the Rice: In the same skillet, add the white rice. Toast it for 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent sticking.
- Add Liquid and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and honey BBQ sauce. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika into the skillet. Stir gently to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer with Chicken and Vegetables: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the rice. Evenly distribute the frozen mixed vegetables on top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the liquid and is tender.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and keep it covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts but adjust cooking time to avoid drying out.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels if needed.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for more variety.
- For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce along with the other seasonings.
- Make sure the skillet is covered tightly during simmering to ensure even cooking of rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: one-pan chicken recipe, honey BBQ chicken, chicken and rice skillet, easy weeknight dinner, stovetop chicken and rice
