Description
This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make meal that combines tender chicken thighs or breasts with a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, cooked together with rice and mixed vegetables for a complete dinner in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice and Vegetables
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
Instructions
- Sear the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, season the chicken thighs or breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until nicely browned.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey until well combined. Pour the mixture over the seared chicken in the skillet.
- Add rice and broth: Stir in the long-grain rice and chicken broth evenly around the chicken to integrate all the ingredients.
- Simmer and cook: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 20 minutes until the rice becomes tender and absorbs the liquid.
- Add vegetables: Approximately 5 minutes before the cooking time ends, add the mixed vegetables on top of the rice and chicken, then cover again to allow the vegetables to steam and cook through.
- Let it rest and serve: After cooking, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve the dish warm.
Notes
- You can use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference; thighs provide a juicier texture.
- Frozen mixed vegetables can be used directly without thawing.
- Adjust the level of BBQ sauce and honey to suit your taste, adding more honey for extra sweetness if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when seasoning the chicken.
- Ensure the skillet you use has a tight-fitting lid to properly steam the rice and vegetables.
