One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a simple, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, and fluffy rice all cook together in one skillet for easy cleanup and maximum taste. It’s a comforting dish that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g), diced into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup (120ml) honey BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 cup (190g) long-grain white rice
• 1 1/2 cups (355ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced (red or yellow)
• 1/2 medium onion, diced (yellow or white)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Dice the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Dice the bell pepper and onion, and mince the garlic.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add chicken pieces in a single layer, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden, then stir and cook another 3-4 minutes until mostly cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same pan, add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds without burning.
4. Step 4: Add uncooked rice to the pan and stir to coat with veggies and oil. Pour in chicken broth and honey BBQ sauce. Stir gently, scraping browned bits from the pan bottom.
5. Step 5: Return chicken pieces to the pan, nestling into the rice mixture. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer gently for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
6. Step 6: Remove lid and check rice tenderness. If rice is still firm, cover and cook 2-3 more minutes. Stir gently, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve warm straight from the pan.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful meat.
• Add a handful of frozen peas or corn along with the bell pepper for extra color and sweetness.
• Swap long-grain rice for brown rice, but increase simmer time to about 40 minutes and add more broth if needed.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeño when sautéing the vegetables.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, but cooking times will vary. Brown rice needs longer to cook and more liquid. Adjust accordingly and check for tenderness before serving.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can chop ingredients in advance, but it’s best to cook just before serving to keep the chicken tender and the rice fluffy.

One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

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This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and convenient meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender diced chicken breasts are seared and then simmered with aromatic vegetables, fragrant rice, and a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce all cooked together in a single skillet, delivering a comforting and delicious dish with minimal cleanup.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Sauce

• 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g), diced into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup (120ml) honey BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Vegetables and Rice

• 1 cup (190g) long-grain white rice
• 1 1/2 cups (355ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced (red or yellow)
• 1/2 medium onion, diced (yellow or white)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Garnish

• Optional: fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized 1-inch pieces. Dice the bell pepper and onion, and mince the garlic.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add chicken pieces in a single layer, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden, then stir and cook another 3-4 minutes until mostly cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds without burning.
4. Add Rice and Liquids: Add uncooked rice to the pan and stir to coat with veggies and oil. Pour in chicken broth and honey BBQ sauce. Stir gently, scraping browned bits from the pan bottom.
5. Simmer Together: Return chicken pieces to the pan, nestling into the rice mixture. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer gently for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
6. Check Doneness: Remove lid and check rice tenderness. If rice is still firm, cover and cook 2-3 more minutes. Stir gently, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve warm straight from the pan.

Notes

• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Do not lift the lid during simmering to ensure rice cooks evenly.
• Feel free to swap bell peppers for other vegetables like zucchini or corn.
• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes during seasoning.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: honey BBQ chicken, one-pan meal, chicken rice skillet, easy weeknight dinner, stovetop chicken recipe