One-pan meals are a busy cook’s best friend, and the One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is no exception. This delightful dish marries tender chicken with aromatic rice, all brought together by a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce. It’s not only easy to prepare but also bursts with flavor, making it a perfect candidate for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Plus, the minimal cleanup means you can enjoy your meal without a mountain of dishes to tackle afterward!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450 calories
- Protein: 28 grams
- Carbohydrates: 48 grams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Sodium: 500 mg
Why Make This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
This dish is a culinary delight that successfully combines savory, sweet, and smoky flavors all in one pot. The honey BBQ sauce adds a layer of richness, while the garlic and onion create a fragrant base that elevates the entire meal. You’ll enjoy juicy chicken served atop fluffy rice that has soaked up all the delicious juices. It’s a hearty meal that requires minimal effort, perfect for busy evenings or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to Make One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- Optional: green onions for garnish
Directions:
### Step 1: Preparation
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, ensuring both sides are well-coated.
### Step 2: Browning the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken to the pan and brown on both sides until golden, about 4-5 minutes per side. This step adds flavor and texture to the chicken. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
### Step 3: Sautéing Aromatics
In the same pan, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This is where the magic begins, as the aroma fills your kitchen, hinting at the delicious meal to come.
### Step 4: Mixing and Cooking
Stir in the rice, cooking for an additional minute. Pour in the chicken broth, honey, and BBQ sauce, stirring well to combine. Return the chicken to the pan, ensuring it nestles in the sauce-covered rice. Cover the pan and reduce the heat, letting it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Once done, fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with green onions if desired, and it’s ready to serve.
How to Serve One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Serve this dish as the centerpiece of your dinner table. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for added freshness. This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice also makes an excellent option for meal prep, as it stores well and reheats easily.
How to Store One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Expert Tips for Perfect One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Choose the Right Cut: Chicken thighs tend to be juicier than breasts and hold up well in this dish, but feel free to use either based on your preference.
- Rice Variety: Long-grain white rice or basmati works best, but consider using brown rice for a healthier twist. Just remember to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
- Custom Sauces: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different BBQ sauces. Each type can bring a unique flavor profile to the dish.
- Add Greens: Stir in some peas or spinach towards the end of cooking for additional color and nutrition.
Delicious Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with diced tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly meal.
- Extra Flavor: Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or corn for a heartier dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice generally requires more cooking time, about 40-45 minutes.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken in the honey BBQ sauce overnight for extra flavor.
- What can I serve with this dish? This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad, steamed veggies, or garlic bread.
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it before cooking for even cooking.
- How do I make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free BBQ sauce and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.
Conclusion
The One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a tasty, no-fuss meal that brings families together over a delicious and hearty dinner. Its easy preparation and fantastic flavors make it perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions. So grab your ingredients and get ready to delight your taste buds with this delightful dish. Happy cooking!
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One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful dish that combines tender chicken with aromatic rice and a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- Optional: green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the pan and brown on both sides for 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add onions and garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the rice and cook for an additional minute. Pour in chicken broth, honey, and BBQ sauce, stirring well.
- Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with green onions if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a spicier version, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. To make it vegetarian, substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
