This easy one-pan honey BBQ chicken and rice is a total crowd-pleaser! The chicken is juicy, coated in a sweet BBQ sauce, and paired with fluffy rice—a simple and tasty combo!
I love how everything cooks together, making clean-up a breeze! Plus, the sweet and tangy flavors make it feel like a special meal, even on busy nights. Who doesn’t love that? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great for this dish. If you need a substitution, consider using thighs for a juicier texture, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly!
Rice: Long grain white rice is ideal, but you can swap it for brown rice or jasmine rice if you prefer. Just be mindful that cooking times will differ; brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer cook time.
BBQ Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or whip up a simple homemade version. If you’re aiming for a lighter option, you can look for sugar-free BBQ sauces or even a teriyaki sauce for a fun twist!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness, but if you want a vegan alternative, maple syrup or agave nectar can be substituted. If you need to cut back on sugar, use a sugar-free syrup instead.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Is Cooked Just Right?
Cooking chicken evenly is key for the best tender bites. Here are some tips to make sure you don’t overcook your chicken:
- Cut the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the chicken until just lightly browned; it should still be slightly undercooked as it will finish cooking with the rice.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer for safety.
Trust me, this method keeps the chicken juicy and helps it soak up all that delicious sauce later!
Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken and Rice:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
For The BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tbsp honey
For Cooking:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 25 minutes of cooking time. Total, you’re looking at about 35 minutes from start to finish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Chicken:
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces to the pan. Season them with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s lightly browned but not fully cooked through.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the garlic smells fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn!
3. Mix in the Rice:
Now, add the rinsed rice to the pan and give it a good stir to coat it with olive oil and the delicious chicken juices. This will help the rice absorb all the fantastic flavors when it cooks.
4. Add Liquids:
Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a boil. This step is essential to get the rice cooking properly.
5. Simmer:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and all the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Prepare the BBQ Sauce:
While the rice is cooking, mix together the BBQ sauce and honey in a small bowl. This will create a sweet and savory sauce that ties everything together!
7. Combine Sauce and Chicken:
After the rice is cooked, remove the lid and spoon the BBQ honey sauce evenly over the chicken and rice. Stir gently to combine, making sure the sauce coats all the pieces well.
8. Thicken and Serve:
Let it cook uncovered for an additional 3-5 minutes on low heat, allowing the sauce to thicken. Once it’s nicely coated, remove it from heat.
9. Garnish:
Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley or chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and a fresh taste. Serve hot and enjoy your meal!
This recipe creates tender chicken coated in a glossy, sweet BBQ sauce on a bed of perfectly cooked rice—all in one pan for simplicity and maximum flavor! Enjoy your cooking! 😊
FAQ for Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. It’s best to thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method, sealing it in a bag and submerging it in cold water for quicker results.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
To make this dish lighter, consider using skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts, or reducing the amount of BBQ sauce and honey. You can also substitute brown rice for white rice to add more fiber!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and rice in advance, refrigerate, and then reheat when you’re ready to serve. Just add a splash of chicken broth while reheating to keep everything moist!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave or on the stove, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
