This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is a delightful dinner made easy. Juicy chicken gets a sweet honey BBQ glaze while cooking with tender rice—all in one pan!
I love this recipe because it saves time on cleanup and packs a flavorful punch. Plus, who can resist that tasty smell wafting from the kitchen? Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken is perfect for this dish, but you can substitute it with thighs if you prefer darker meat. They stay juicy and add great flavor!
Olive Oil: Olive oil is a favorite for sautéing, but you can use canola oil or avocado oil for a more neutral taste. Both work well for cooking the chicken.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite brand! If you’re making this for kids or prefer less sugar, homemade BBQ sauce is a great alternative. You can even adjust the sweetness or spice level to your liking.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness, but you can use maple syrup for a different flavor. Agave syrup also works well if you need a vegan option.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is recommended, but brown rice, jasmine, or basmati are great alternatives. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
How Do You Get Juicy Chicken Pieces?
Getting juicy chicken is all about cooking it correctly. Start by ensuring your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps lock in moisture as it sears. Cook the chicken until it’s just golden brown—about 4-5 minutes—and remove it from the pan while it’s still slightly underdone. It will continue cooking when you add it back with the rice!
- Use medium-high heat to sear the chicken for a nice color.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps everything cook evenly.
One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth (or water with bouillon)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for depth)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 15 minutes cooking the chicken and rice and another 5 minutes allowing it to rest before serving. It’s a quick and easy meal with minimal cleanup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start With the Chicken:
In a large skillet or deep pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. While the oil warms, season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken to the pan. Fry the chicken until it’s golden brown on all sides but still slightly undercooked—about 4-5 minutes. Take the chicken out of the pan and set it aside on a plate.
2. Toast the Rice:
Using the same pan, pour in the rinsed rice. Stir it around for 1-2 minutes until the rice lightly toasts, soaking up the leftover flavors from the chicken. This will add extra flavor to your dish!
3. Adding the Broth:
Now it’s time to add the chicken broth. Pour it into the pan and stir everything together. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This will allow the rice to cook through and absorb the flavors.
4. Prepare the BBQ Sauce:
While the rice cooks, grab a small bowl and combine the barbecue sauce, honey, and soy sauce. Whisk them together until smooth. This sweet and tangy sauce will bring everything together beautifully!
5. Combine and Cook:
After the rice has simmered for 10 minutes, gently place the browned chicken pieces on top of the rice. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and rice. Cover the pan again and cook on low for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the rice is tender, and the chicken is fully cooked.
6. Let It Rest:
Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors settle!
7. Serve It Up:
Fluff the rice gently with a fork, and then serve the chicken and sauce over the top. Don’t forget to sprinkle some chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh touch!
Enjoy your flavorful, easy one-pan meal with minimal cleanup! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a delicious home-cooked dinner.
FAQ for One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice! However, keep in mind that brown rice typically requires more cooking time and liquid. You may need to adjust the chicken broth to about 2 cups and extend the simmering time to 25-30 minutes to ensure the rice is fully cooked.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Breast?
If you don’t have chicken breast on hand, feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They add more flavor and stay juicy. Just be careful not to overcook them to avoid drying out!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to moisten the rice.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! To add some heat, consider mixing in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce before applying it to the chicken and rice. You can also serve with sliced jalapeños on the side for an extra kick!
