Name: Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts); 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups chicken broth (or water); 1/3 cup honey; 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand); 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; Fresh parsley, chopped

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Introduction

This Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is a flavorful and convenient meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken thighs cooked in a sweet and tangy honey barbecue sauce alongside fluffy rice make for a satisfying dish in just 30 minutes.

A close-up of a black round pan filled with two layers: the bottom layer is golden brown cooked rice with a soft, fluffy texture and a lightly oily shine, and the top layer is a generous pile of grilled chicken pieces covered in a shiny, dark brown sticky glaze with charred spots, giving a caramelized and slightly crispy look. The background is a white marbled texture, and the chicken pieces are arranged in the center of the rice, covering most of it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth (or water)
1/3 cup honey
1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together the honey and barbecue sauce until well combined. Set aside for later.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: In the same pan, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 4: Stir in the uncooked rice and cook for 1 minute, coating it in the oil and aromatics.
Step 5: Pour in chicken broth, stir to combine. Return the chicken to the pan, placing it on top of the rice. Pour honey BBQ sauce evenly over everything.
Step 6: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
Use boneless chicken breasts if preferred, but reduce cooking time slightly as they cook faster.
Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth for a lighter taste or to make this dish suitable for lacto-vegetarians using meatless substitutes.
Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can be used instead of parsley for garnish to change the flavor profile.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

A black bowl filled with two layers: the bottom layer is a bed of shiny, light brown cooked rice with visible grains, and the top layer consists of small, glossy pieces of grilled salmon with a dark caramelized glaze, scattered green herbs, and sesame seeds sprinkled evenly on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred background showing a white bowl and a glass bowl with lemon slices. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice can be used, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust simmering time to about 40-45 minutes and add extra broth as needed.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Most barbecue sauces are gluten-free, but be sure to check the label on your barbecue sauce to confirm. Using gluten-free sauce will keep the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.