One-Pan Smoky Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice: A Deliciously Easy & Flavorful Meal 🍗🍯🔥
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with perfectly cooked rice and a smoky, sweet barbecue glaze, then this One-Pan Smoky Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice recipe is exactly what you need. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests, as it offers a harmonious blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors all cooked in one pan. Not only does it save time, but it makes cleanup a breeze too!
2. Ingredients for the One-Pan Smoky Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup smoky barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Smoky Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice
Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Cook the Rice
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the rice for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to toast the grains slightly. Pour in the chicken broth, honey, and barbecue sauce. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer and Combine
Reduce the heat to low, and nestle the cooked chicken back into the rice mixture. Cover the pan with a lid and let everything simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice absorbs the liquid and becomes tender. Turn off the heat and let it rest, covered, for a few minutes before serving.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Smoky Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until thoroughly heated. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months — just ensure they are cooled completely before freezing.
5. Serving Suggestions
Serve your One-Pan Smoky Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for added freshness and color. For a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños on top.
Check out other delicious dinner recipes to complement this hearty dish or explore more chicken recipes that are easy to prepare.
6. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – This set makes cooking and cleanup effortless, ensuring your rice and chicken do not stick and come out perfectly every time.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Chop vegetables quickly to serve on the side, making your meal even more nutritious and colorful.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker – Perfect for making large batches of this dish ahead of time or for meal prep.
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 – For additional crispy chicken options or sides, this versatile tool will elevate your cooking game.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well, but be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out. Adjust cooking time accordingly to keep the chicken juicy.
What if I don’t have smoked barbecue sauce?
You can substitute with regular barbecue sauce and add a pinch of smoked paprika to impart a smoky flavor. This maintains the smoky profile of the dish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure your barbecue sauce is gluten-free. This way, the dish stays suitable for a gluten-free diet.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The entire process takes approximately 40 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal that’s quick and satisfying.
8. Conclusion
With its irresistible smoky honey glaze and one-pan convenience, the One-Pan Smoky Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is a savory dish that everyone will love. It’s perfect for busy evenings, feeding a family, or impressing guests with minimal effort. Try this recipe today and enjoy a deliciously satisfying meal that combines smoky, sweet, and savory flavors in one easy-to-make dish!
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One-Pan Smoky Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice
Savor the smoky sweetness of our One-Pan Smoky Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice, an easy and flavorful weeknight dinner. Tender chicken thighs cooked with fragrant rice in a savory honey BBQ glaze, all prepared in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup smoky barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the rice for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add chicken broth, honey, and barbecue sauce. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, return the chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice absorbs liquid and is tender. Rest covered for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for garnishing to add brightness.
- If desired, add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice.
- Ensure rice is fully cooked and tender before serving for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 530 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg