One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice (Print Version)

Tender honey BBQ chicken with fluffy rice and colorful vegetables, all cooked together in one pan for a quick and satisfying meal.

# 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 white 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 Make It:

01 - Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika, ensuring even coating.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a light drizzle of oil. Sear chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until lightly browned.
03 - Whisk together BBQ sauce and honey in a small bowl until well combined.
04 - Pour the honey BBQ sauce mixture over the seared chicken and stir to coat evenly.
05 - Add rinsed rice and chicken broth to the pan, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.
06 - Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 20 minutes.
07 - In the final 5 minutes of cooking, scatter mixed vegetables on top. Cover again and allow to steam until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
08 - Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice gently with a fork before serving.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pan, so you can actually sit down and relax instead of scrubbing a sink full of pots.
  • The honey BBQ glaze caramelizes just enough to make plain chicken thighs taste like something you'd order at a backyard cookout.
  • It's flexible enough to handle whatever vegetables are lurking in your crisper drawer.
  • Kids devour it without asking what's in it, which is a small miracle in my house.
02 -
  • Don't lift the lid while the rice is cooking or you'll release the steam and end up with crunchy, undercooked grains.
  • If the chicken releases a lot of liquid during searing, pour off the excess before adding the glaze so it doesn't dilute the sauce.
  • Rinsing the rice is non-negotiable: it only takes thirty seconds and makes the difference between fluffy and sticky.
03 -
  • A splash of apple cider vinegar mixed into the honey BBQ sauce brightens the whole dish and cuts through the sweetness.
  • Use a clear glass lid if you have one so you can check the rice without lifting it and losing steam.
  • If you want crispier chicken, sear it a minute longer before adding the glaze, then let it caramelize slightly in the sauce.
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