It is 6pm and your family is hungry. You want a meal that tastes homemade and cozy. This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken is exactly what you need tonight.
This recipe is perfect for the busy back-to-school season. It delivers a sweet and savory dinner in just forty minutes. Best of all, you only have one pan to wash!
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This dish is a total lifesaver for busy fall weeknights. It combines juicy chicken with fluffy rice in one skillet. Your kids will love the sweet honey BBQ glaze on every bite.
You will love how simple the cleanup is. There are no extra pots or colanders to scrub. It is a budget-friendly meal that uses basic pantry staples. Even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this one.
Simple Cooking Method
Making this meal is incredibly straightforward and stress-free. You start by searing the chicken to lock in flavor. Then, you simply stir everything else into the same pan. No fancy techniques are required for this recipe.
The rice cooks right in the sauce for maximum flavor. Beginners can make this with total confidence. You just let it simmer while you relax for a moment. It is practically hands-off once the lid goes on.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely already in your kitchen. Fresh pantry staples make this dish shine.
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
Step-by-Step Directions
- Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add chicken to skillet and sear for 5 minutes or until browned on all sides; remove chicken from pan.
- Stir in chicken broth, BBQ sauce, honey, and white rice into the skillet, scraping the bottom to release browned bits.
- Return chicken to the skillet and bring liquid to a rolling boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork and garnishing with green onions.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this meal warm right out of the skillet. It looks beautiful with bright green onions sprinkled on top. Pair it with steamed broccoli or a simple side salad. It also goes great with buttery corn on the cob.
For a fun family dinner, serve it family-style. Set the skillet in the center of the table. Let everyone scoop out their own golden, saucy portions. It is a wonderful way to connect after a long day.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. This recipe is also great for meal prep lunches. The flavors actually deepen as it sits overnight.
Reheat portions in the microwave with a splash of water. This keeps the rice from drying out. You can also reheat it on the stove. Just use low heat and stir gently until warmed through.
Tips for Best Results
- Always rinse your rice under cold water first.
- Use a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam.
- Don’t skip searing the chicken for better texture.
- Scrape the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
- Let the dish rest for five minutes before fluffing.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Double the honey for a sweeter kid-friendly version.
- Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
Easy Flavor Ideas
- Swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer.
- Use a spicy BBQ sauce for a kick.
- Add a handful of frozen peas during simmering.
- Stir in fresh corn for a summer twist.
- Top with shredded cheddar for a cheesy version.
Common Questions
Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes, but you will need more liquid. You must also increase the cooking time significantly. Check the rice package for specific timing instructions.
My rice is still crunchy, what happened?
Your lid might not be tight enough. Add a splash of broth and simmer longer. Make sure the heat stays on low.
Is this recipe freezer friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked meal. Ensure it is completely cool before sealing. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
I hope this cozy recipe brightens your fall evenings. Give it a try and let every bite warm you up. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup long -grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups low -sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons hone y
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add chicken to skillet and sear for 5 minutes or until browned on all sides; remove chicken from pan.
- Stir in chicken broth, BBQ sauce, honey, and white rice into the skillet, scraping the bottom to release browned bits.
- Return chicken to the skillet and bring liquid to a rolling boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork and garnishing with green onions.
