One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice dish garnished with fresh herbs.

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

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One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice: A Cozy Family Favorite

There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that warms not just the stomach but the heart too. I remember chilly Wednesday evenings spent in my kitchen, the promise of tender chicken and fluffy rice filling the air with an inviting aroma. It’s moments like these that inspire my recipe for One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, a meal that brings families together for a cozy dinner around the table. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a special treat for a long-awaited family gathering, this dish is sure to hit all the right notes.

Combining the rich sweetness of honey with the zesty flavors of BBQ sauce, piping hot rice, and fresh vegetables, this dish is pure soul food. Imagine savory chicken seared to golden perfection, nestled on a bed of fluffy rice, all in just one pan! This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish can be prepared in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!
  • Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest of eaters will love the delicious blend of honey and BBQ flavors.
  • Comforting and Satisfying: With tender chicken and hearty rice, it’s the ultimate cozy meal.
  • Versatile Ingredients: Use what you have! You can swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the spices based on personal tastes.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe can be made ahead and stored for easy meals throughout the week, making it a smart choice for meal prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need for One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

To whip up this delightful one-pan dish, gather the following simple ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Let’s Make It Together

Now, let’s dive into the heart of the matter. Here’s how to create your very own One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice:

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. While that warms up, season your chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
  2. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until browned. The sizzling sounds are music to my ears!
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey until blended – trust me, this step adds a beautiful glaze to your chicken.
  4. Pour the sweet BBQ and honey mixture over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated.
  5. Next, add the rice and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir everything to combine, and watch as the flavors begin to mingle.
  6. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook on low for about 20 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb all those luscious flavors and become tender.
  7. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the mixed vegetables on top to steam. They’ll add a pop of color and nutrition to your meal.
  8. After 20 minutes, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and the rice to fluff up beautifully.
  9. Finally, use a fork to fluff the rice and serve warm.

Delicious Variations to Try

While the classic recipe is fantastic on its own, here are some fun ways to customize it:

  • Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for those who crave heat.
  • Zesty Citrus: Squeeze in some fresh lime juice before serving for a refreshing zing.
  • Creamy Variation: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese just before serving for extra creaminess.
  • Herby Twist: Toss in fresh chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley for a vibrant finish.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

To ensure your One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice turns out perfectly every time, consider these tips:

  • Make-Ahead Advice: You can prep the chicken and veggies a day in advance; just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
  • Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to swap out chicken with turkey or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.
  • Storage Suggestions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently before serving!
  • Slicing Tricks: If using chicken breasts, butterfly them first for even cooking, ensuring that they remain juicy and tender.

What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional information for One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice:

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 480
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Sugars: 14g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Sodium: 750mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make this ahead?
    Yes! You can prep the chicken and veggies ahead of time for a super easy dinner.

  2. Can I use different ingredients?
    Absolutely! Feel free to swap chicken for turkey or use any vegetables you have on hand.

  3. How do I store leftovers?
    Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

  4. How long does it last?
    Leftovers generally last about 3 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.

Wrapping It Up

There you have it – a warm, comforting, and utterly delicious One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice that’s perfect for your dinner table. This recipe not only brings joy to mealtime but reminds us of those cherished moments spent with loved ones. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight yet special enough for a Sunday dinner. Save this One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!

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One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

  • Author: Chef Emma
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free
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Description

A comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a delicious honey BBQ glaze that brings families together.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
  2. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until browned.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey until blended.
  4. Pour the BBQ and honey mixture over the chicken and coat evenly.
  5. Add the rice and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine.
  6. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low for about 20 minutes.
  7. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle mixed vegetables on top to steam.
  8. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm.

Notes

Feel free to customize with different proteins or vegetables. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: one-pan, honey BBQ, chicken rice, family dinner, comfort food

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