One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice (Printable)

Tender honey BBQ chicken with fluffy rice and colorful vegetables cooked in one pan for easy cleanup.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - Salt and pepper to taste
03 - 1 tsp garlic powder
04 - 1 tsp onion powder
05 - ½ tsp 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 (bell peppers, peas, carrots; fresh or frozen)

# Directions:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One pan means one cleanup, even on the nights when you're too tired to face a pile of dishes.
  • The honey BBQ glaze seeps into the rice, turning every bite into something craveable and comforting.
  • It's flexible enough to use whatever vegetables are languishing in your fridge.
  • Kids and adults both reach for seconds without any coaxing.
02 -
  • Resist lifting the lid during the 20-minute simmer; every peek releases steam and can leave your rice crunchy in spots.
  • If your rice seems dry before it's tender, add a splash more broth and cover again for a few minutes.
  • Rinsing the rice is non-negotiable; skipping it turns the dish gummy instead of fluffy.
03 -
  • Use a heavy skillet with a tight lid; thin pans can scorch the bottom before the rice cooks through.
  • Let the chicken develop a real sear before adding the sauce; that caramelization adds depth you can't fake.
  • If you're doubling the recipe, use a wide, shallow pan so the rice cooks evenly without a thick layer trapping steam.
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