Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe for its bold flavors, ease of preparation, and minimal cleanup. The honey BBQ sauce is the star, adding a perfect balance of sweetness and tang to the tender chicken and savory rice. Plus, cooking everything in one pan means you can spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your delicious meal. It's a complete, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor and is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet on top of the rice. Add the frozen corn and cover the skillet with a lid.
- Lower the heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, slice the chicken breasts and stir them into the rice.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Total time: 40-45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Option: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the BBQ sauce for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with a protein like tofu or tempeh, or simply skip the meat and use more vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
- Rice Type: While this recipe calls for long-grain white rice, you can use brown rice or a flavored rice mix for an added twist, though cooking times may vary.
- Add Cheese: For a cheesy version, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top of the rice before covering the skillet to melt the cheese during the final cooking phase.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply place the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to rehydrate the rice. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy?
To keep the chicken tender and juicy, don’t overcook it. Chicken breasts cook quickly, so check the internal temperature with a thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I use a different cut of chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier option. Bone-in or skin-on thighs may take a bit longer to cook, so adjust the time accordingly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything up to the point of cooking the rice. Store the cooked chicken and uncooked rice mixture in the refrigerator, then cook it the next day. It may take a bit longer to heat up.
Can I use instant rice?
You can use instant rice in place of regular rice, but the cooking time will be shorter. Follow the package directions for the best results.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To spice things up, add hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes to the BBQ sauce. You can also include diced jalapeños or other hot peppers when cooking the rice.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe to serve more people. Just make sure you use a large enough pan to accommodate the increased ingredients, or cook it in batches.
Can I use a different type of BBQ sauce?
Absolutely! You can use any BBQ sauce you like, whether it's smoky, sweet, spicy, or tangy. Pick one that matches your flavor preferences.
What if I don’t have honey?
If you don’t have honey, maple syrup or brown sugar can be used as alternatives to provide that sweet contrast to the BBQ sauce.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or peas to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious.
Conclusion
This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce and tender chicken, it’s a satisfying meal that requires minimal effort and cleanup. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the bold flavors and comforting goodness all in one pan!
One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a simple, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, fragrant rice, and a sweet-tangy BBQ sauce. With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. The honey BBQ sauce adds the right balance of sweetness and tang, making this meal a family favorite. You can also customize it with vegetables or cheese to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat.
- Season both sides of chicken breasts with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the chicken back into the skillet on top of the rice, and add frozen corn. Cover with a lid.
- Lower the heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Slice chicken and stir into the rice.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the BBQ sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, swap chicken with tofu or tempeh, or use more vegetables.
- You can use different types of rice, such as brown rice or flavored rice.
- Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for a cheesy version.
