Why Make This Recipe
One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is the perfect dish for beginners and busy cooks alike. This recipe is quick, simple, and only requires one pan, which means less cleanup! With juicy chicken breasts coated in a delightful honey BBQ sauce, combined with fluffy rice, it’s a hearty meal the whole family will enjoy. The ingredients are easy to find, and you likely already have some of them in your pantry. Plus, the sweet and tangy flavor of the honey and BBQ sauce makes this dish a hit with both adults and kids.
How to Make One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Prepare to create a mouthwatering meal by following these easy steps. You will need a large skillet to cook everything together, helping preserve the flavors and streamline the cooking process.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup rice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. This will help in browning the chicken.
Season the Chicken: While the oil heats, season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Seasoning enhances the chicken’s flavor and makes it more enjoyable.
Brown the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes on one side until browned. Then, flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes on the other side. Don’t worry if it’s not cooked through at this stage; it will finish cooking later.
Mix the Honey BBQ Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the honey and BBQ sauce. Mix well until combined. This sauce will give the chicken that sweet and tangy flavor that you’ll love.
Add the Sauce to the Chicken: Pour the honey BBQ sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Use a spatula to ensure each chicken breast is well-coated in the sauce.
Add Rice and Chicken Broth: Now, add the uncooked rice and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients. The rice will soak up the flavors as it cooks, adding to the overall dish.
Simmer, Cover, and Cook: Bring the mix to a simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and allow it to cook for about 20 minutes. This cooks the rice and the chicken through.
Check for Doneness: After 20 minutes, check to see if the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. If the rice needs more time, cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Once everything is cooked, you can garnish the dish with chopped parsley, if desired. This adds a lovely pop of color and freshness to the meal. Serve warm.
How to Serve One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice can be served directly from the skillet for a casual family dinner or plated for a more formal serving. This dish is filling, so consider pairing it with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables to balance the meal. The flavor-packed chicken and rice are delightful on their own, so you may not need much else on the table. You can also offer extra BBQ sauce on the side for those who want a little more!
How to Store One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
If you happen to have leftovers, storing them is straightforward:
- Cool Down: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to Container: Place the chicken and rice in an airtight container. Ensure that it’s sealed tightly to keep moisture in and contaminants out.
- Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze portions of the dish in freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
- Use Skinless Chicken: This recipe works best with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy cooking and eating.
- Watch the Heat: Keep an eye on the heat while cooking to avoid burning the honey BBQ sauce.
- Experiment with Rice: You can use different types of rice, like brown rice or jasmine rice, just remember that cooking times may differ. Adjust the liquid amount if you substitute a different rice variety.
- Add Vegetables: For a more nutritious meal, toss in some frozen peas, bell peppers, or even corn. They will cook along with the rice and add flavor and texture.
- Don’t Skip the Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only looks beautiful but adds freshness to the overall dish.
Variation
There are many ways to customize this recipe to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce to the honey BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.
- Soy Sauce Twist: For an Asian flavor twist, you can substitute half of the BBQ sauce with soy sauce and add a splash of sesame oil.
- Pulled Chicken: If you want shredded chicken, cook it longer until it’s tender enough to shred. Serve it over the rice for a different texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, they may take longer to cook through. Ensure they are thawed before cooking for even results.Is it necessary to use rice?
While rice is an essential component, you can substitute it with quinoa or couscous for a different base. Adjust the liquid amount accordingly as different grains absorb moisture differently.What if I don’t have chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use water or vegetable broth. For added flavor, you might consider adding a bouillon cube to the water for a richer taste.Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This dish is great for meal prep. You can prepare it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and just reheat it when ready to serve.How can I make this dish more nutritious?
To make it healthier, consider adding more vegetables like spinach, kale, or broccoli. These can be mixed in during cooking for added vitamins and minerals.
Enjoy creating your One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice meal! This simple recipe is sure to become a go-to option for busy weeknights and family gatherings.
Print
One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and simple one-pan dish featuring juicy chicken breasts coated in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, served over fluffy rice.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup rice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes until browned, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine honey and BBQ sauce; mix well.
- Pour the honey BBQ sauce over the chicken in the skillet, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
- Add uncooked rice and chicken broth to the skillet, stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low; cook for about 20 minutes.
- Check for doneness; if needed, cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
For a healthier meal, consider adding vegetables like peas or bell peppers. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: honey BBQ chicken, easy dinner, one-pan meal, family recipe