Description
This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken thighs are browned and then simmered together with rice, frozen mixed vegetables, and a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, all cooked in one skillet for minimal cleanup. The result is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken and perfectly cooked rice infused with a smoky, slightly sweet sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Seasonings
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Grains and Vegetables
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
Garnish
- Chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Toast the Rice: In the same skillet, add the rice and stir frequently for 1-2 minutes to toast it, which enhances the rice’s flavor.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and honey BBQ sauce. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a boil.
- Simmer with Chicken and Vegetables: Reduce the heat to low, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and layer the frozen mixed vegetables over the chicken and rice. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until the rice has absorbed the liquid and is tender.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and keep it covered for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier twist, add 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce before cooking.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts or tofu to suit your protein preference.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce sodium content if desired.
- Make sure to keep the skillet covered during simmering to cook the rice evenly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: honey BBQ chicken, one-pan meal, chicken and rice skillet, easy dinner recipe, honey barbecue sauce, skillet chicken rice, weeknight dinner, one-pot chicken recipe
