This Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is a yummy and quick meal. Juicy chicken cooks right with fluffy rice, all kissed by a sweet BBQ sauce. It’s a tasty time-saver!
I love how everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, who can resist that honey-sweet flavor? It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something delicious! 🍗🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using chicken thighs for their juicy flavor, but boneless breasts work too! If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider skinless chicken breast. Additionally, tofu or chickpeas packed with protein can be a great substitute for a vegetarian meal.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect for this dish since it cooks evenly. If you want something different, use brown rice for a nuttier flavor, but remember that it will take longer to cook. Quinoa is also a nice gluten-free alternative. Just adjust the liquid amounts!
Barbecue Sauce: Your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce will work here! If you’re feeling adventurous, make a homemade version using ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices. Or, for a lighter option, try a sugar-free BBQ sauce.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness, but you can swap it with maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer. For a sugar-free option, consider using a sugar substitute like stevia, keeping in mind the proportions may vary.
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Chicken and Rice?
The secret to achieving juicy chicken and fluffy rice starts with proper cooking time and attention to heat. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your chicken is seasoned well for flavor. Searing it helps develop a delicious crust!
- After browning, don’t rush the rice. Even if it looks a little soft when cooking begins, it’ll fluff up perfectly once it rests.
- Cover the pan tightly to hold in steam, ensuring both the rice cooks evenly and the chicken stays moist.
- Finally, let it ‘rest’ after cooking. This helps the rice absorb any leftover liquid and gives the chicken time to reabsorb its juices.
Following these steps will ensure a delightful one-pan meal, and you’ll impress everyone at the dinner table!
Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (or water with bouillon)
- For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- For the Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
- For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to cook, totaling approximately 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken pieces on both sides with salt and pepper to add flavor. This step is important to make sure the chicken is tasty all the way through!
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the seasoned chicken and sear it for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until nicely browned. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 2 minutes until it’s soft. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant. This combination will add wonderful flavor to your dish!
4. Add the Rice:
Stir in the long-grain rice, making sure it gets well-coated with the oil and mixes with the onion and garlic. This step helps the rice absorb all those lovely flavors.
5. Combine the Liquid Ingredients:
Next, pour in the chicken broth (or water if you’re using bouillon), barbecue sauce, and honey. Stir everything together until mixed well.
6. Return the Chicken:
Place the seared chicken back into the pan, laying it on top of the rice mixture. This allows the chicken to infuse its flavor into the rice as it cooks.
7. Simmer and Cook:
Bring the mixture to a simmer. Then, cover the pan tightly with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should be 165°F / 74°C).
8. Add Vegetables (Optional):
If you’re using frozen peas and carrots, stir them into the pan about 5 minutes before the cooking time is up. They’ll heat through perfectly without becoming mushy.
9. Let it Rest:
Once everything is cooked, remove the pan from heat and let it rest, covered, for about 5 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the rice is fluffy.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if you’d like, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious, easy one-pan meal!
FAQ for Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, typically about 35-40 minutes. You may need to increase the broth to about 2 cups and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Make sure to check for doneness!
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, feel free to use water combined with a bouillon cube or powder for flavor. Vegetable broth is also a great option for a vegetarian variant!
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Absolutely! You can season and sear the chicken ahead of time, and even prepare the rice mixture. Just store everything separately in the fridge and combine them for cooking on the day you plan to serve it.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stovetop until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
