Description
This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish combining tender, juicy chicken with sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, perfectly cooked rice, and a savory blend of onions and garlic. This recipe offers a comforting, all-in-one meal ready in just 35 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Rice and Vegetables
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (honey or smoky style)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or hot sauce for extra sweetness or heat
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Dice the chicken into bite-sized cubes and season them generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear them until golden brown on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Toast the rice: Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice, allowing it to toast lightly for about one minute. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the rice.
- Add liquids and deglaze: Pour in the chicken broth and stir well to combine, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful browned bits.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the seared chicken to the skillet and stir in the BBQ sauce to coat all ingredients evenly. If desired, add 1 tablespoon of honey or hot sauce for extra sweetness or heat.
- Simmer and cook rice: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer gently for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Final touches and serve: Fluff the rice gently with a fork and let the skillet sit off heat for 5 minutes to settle the flavors. Serve hot, optionally topped with additional BBQ sauce for extra boldness.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breast if you prefer juicier meat.
- If using water instead of chicken broth, consider adding additional seasoning to boost flavor.
- Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce based on your sweetness and smokiness preference.
- For a spicier kick, increase the hot sauce or add chili flakes.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
