One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is a flavorful and convenient dish that combines tender chicken pieces with savory rice, all cooked together in a single pan for easy preparation and cleanup. Here's a recipe to guide you through making this delicious meal:
Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ cup corn kernels (optional)
½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Sauté the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces and season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned but not fully cooked through.
Add Rice and Liquids:
Stir in the uncooked rice, ensuring it is evenly distributed among the chicken pieces.
In a bowl, mix together the chicken broth, barbecue sauce, and honey until well combined.
Pour the liquid mixture over the rice and chicken, stirring gently to combine.
Simmer the Dish:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for about 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Incorporate Additional Ingredients:
If desired, add the corn and black beans to the pan, stirring to combine.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the mixture.
Cover the pan again and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy your one-pan meal!
This recipe offers a harmonious blend of sweet and smoky flavors, with the honey and barbecue sauce complementing the tender chicken and fluffy rice. The optional additions of corn and black beans provide extra texture and nutritional value, while the melted cheese adds a creamy finish. Cooking everything in one pan not only simplifies the process but also enhances the depth of flavor as the ingredients meld together during cooking.
