One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
🍯 One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Author: Andrew Recipes
A hearty, sweet-and-smoky chicken and rice dish, all cooked in one pan for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights!
🛒 Ingredients
Scale the recipe: 1x | 2x | 3x
For the dish:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or other veggies like bell peppers, corn, zucchini)
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley or cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
🍳 Instructions
1. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Season chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Veggies & Rice
In the same skillet, sauté diced onion for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Stir in the rice, broth, frozen veggies, honey, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce. Mix well.
3. Add Chicken & Simmer
Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, pushing slightly into the rice.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes (white rice) or 30–35 minutes (brown rice).
Check that chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally.
4. Let Rest & Serve
Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
Garnish with parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds. Serve hot!
📝 Notes & Tips
- Using brown rice? Add 5–10 minutes of cook time and a splash more broth if needed.
- Want extra heat? Add cayenne, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños.
- Customize the veggies based on what you have on hand!
- Great for meal prep: Keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- No BBQ sauce? Sub with honey mustard or teriyaki for a tasty twist.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Tangy coleslaw
- Simple green salad
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Cornbread or garlic toast
📦 Storage
- Fridge: Up to 4 days in airtight container
- Freezer: Up to 3 months
- Reheat: In skillet with splash of broth or microwave in 1-minute intervals