Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Skillet Recipe
Introduction
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful, one-pan meal that’s both comforting and easy to prepare. Tender chicken thighs simmer with sweet honey and tangy BBQ sauce, cooked together with rice and vegetables for a complete dinner in one skillet.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat.
- Step 2: Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Add a drizzle of oil to the pan and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey.
- Step 6: Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture.
- Step 7: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Step 8: After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice.
- Step 9: Cover again and continue cooking for 5 more minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
- Step 10: Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice.
- Step 11: Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken breasts for a leaner option, or thighs for juicier meat.
- Try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of cayenne for extra tang and heat.
- Swap mixed vegetables with fresh diced bell peppers, corn, or peas for variety.
- For more depth, use smoked paprika and a bit of liquid smoke if available.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep the rice moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice?
Long-grain rice works best for texture and cooking time, but you can use jasmine or basmati rice as alternatives. If using brown rice, increase cooking time and liquid accordingly.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and rice separately ahead of time and combine them just before serving. However, the dish is best enjoyed fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
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Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken thighs with a flavorful BBQ and honey sauce, cooked together with rice and mixed vegetables in one pan. It’s a delicious, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that delivers a savory and slightly sweet flavor profile with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Rice and Sauce
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- ¼ cup honey
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish
- Drizzle of cooking oil (e.g. olive oil or vegetable oil)
Instructions
- Heat the pan: Place a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat to prepare for searing the chicken.
- Season the chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for a flavorful base.
- Sear the chicken: Add a drizzle of oil to the hot pan, then sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it develops a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Toast the rice: In the same pan, add the uncooked long-grain rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to enhance the rice’s nutty flavor and prevent sticking.
- Add liquids and sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey until combined, creating a flavorful cooking liquid.
- Return chicken to pan: Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the rice mixture, ensuring they are partially submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer covered: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes to cook the rice and chicken through.
- Add vegetables: Sprinkle the mixed vegetables evenly over the rice and chicken, then cover again to continue cooking.
- Finish cooking: Continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender, vegetables are cooked, and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and fluff: Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle. Then fluff the rice gently with a fork.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley over the dish for a fresh, vibrant finish before serving hot.
Notes
- You can use either chicken thighs or breasts depending on your preference; thighs will be juicier while breasts are leaner.
- For extra smoky flavor, choose a smoky BBQ sauce or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the rice cooking liquid.
- If using frozen mixed vegetables, no need to thaw before adding.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan with a lid to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature to guarantee it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, One-Pot Meal, Chicken and Rice, Easy Dinner, BBQ Chicken Recipe, Weeknight Dinner
