One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice (Printable)

A complete meal with seasoned chicken, honey BBQ glaze, rice, and vegetables—everything cooks together in 40 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - Salt and pepper to taste
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
05 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

→ Sauce

06 - ½ cup BBQ sauce
07 - ¼ cup honey

→ Rice & Vegetables

08 - 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
09 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 1 cup mixed vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, and carrots, fresh or frozen

# How to Cook:

01 - Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika, distributing seasonings evenly.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a light drizzle of oil. Sear chicken for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until lightly browned.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce and honey until well combined. Pour mixture over the seared chicken and stir to coat evenly.
04 - Add rinsed rice and chicken broth to the pan. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
05 - Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and cook for 20 minutes without lifting the lid.
06 - In the final 5 minutes of cooking, scatter mixed vegetables over the top. Cover again and allow them to steam until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
07 - Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice gently with a fork before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pan, so you're not juggling pots or timing multiple burners.
  • The honey BBQ glaze soaks into the rice while it steams, giving every bite a hint of sweetness and smoke.
  • It's flexible enough to use whatever vegetables are lurking in your freezer or crisper drawer.
  • Cleanup is just one lid, one pan, and maybe a spoon if you're being honest.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the rice or you'll end up with a sticky, gummy mess instead of fluffy grains.
  • If you lift the lid during the 20-minute simmer, steam escapes and the rice won't cook evenly.
  • Let the dish rest off the heat for those final 5 minutes so the rice finishes absorbing moisture without burning on the bottom.
03 -
  • Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or pan with a tight lid to prevent scorching and ensure even heat distribution.
  • If your BBQ sauce is on the thinner side, reduce the honey to 2 tablespoons so the glaze doesn't turn soupy.
  • Season the chicken generously before searing, the spices create a flavorful crust that holds up under the sauce.
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