If you love flavor-packed, minimal-fuss meals, this One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe is your new go-to. Combining tender, juicy bone-in chicken thighs with perfectly cooked rice, vibrant veggies, and a sweet-smoky honey BBQ glaze, this dish is as simple as it is delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s sure to impress.
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Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All-in-One Meal: Chicken, rice, and vegetables cooked together for convenience and flavor.
- Sweet and Smoky Flavor: Honey and BBQ sauce caramelize on the chicken, creating a mouthwatering glaze.
- Juicy Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs ensure maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Customizable: Easily swap veggies, spices, or add cheese for personal flair.
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pan, saving time and effort.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
Chicken & Seasoning:
- 1.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks)
- 1 tbsp oil for searing
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Rice & Veggies:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati preferred)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Sauce & Finishing Touches:
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 3 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions 🥄
Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pan
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a large oven-safe skillet or a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- Rub with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in the skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken skin-side down for 5–6 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip and cook 2 more minutes, then remove and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables & Rice
- In the same skillet, add a drizzle of oil if needed.
- Sauté onion, bell pepper, corn, and garlic for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in uncooked rice and cook 2 minutes to lightly toast.
Step 5: Add Liquids & Sauce
- Pour in chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Step 6: Bake Everything Together
- Nestle seared chicken into the rice mixture (skin-side up).
- Transfer skillet to the oven and bake 25–30 minutes until rice is tender and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
Step 7: Finish & Serve
- Remove from oven.
- Sprinkle cheese over the rice (if using) and let melt.
- Garnish with cilantro or green onions.
- Serve with extra BBQ sauce for an extra flavor punch.
Pro Tips for Success
- Crispy Skin: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end to crisp the chicken skin.
- Adjust Spice Level: Add hot sauce or cayenne to the rice mixture if you like heat.
- Veggie Variations: Swap corn for zucchini, peas, or carrots for a seasonal twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free BBQ sauce and chicken broth.
- Honey Alternative: Maple syrup works perfectly if you prefer.
FAQs About Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts can work, but they may cook faster and be slightly less juicy than bone-in thighs. Reduce baking time and monitor temperature closely.
2. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare the rice and chicken separately, then assemble and bake when ready. Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3–4 days.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative. The flavor is still amazing.
4. What type of rice works best?
Jasmine or basmati rice is ideal for fluffy, separate grains. Long-grain white rice also works well. Avoid instant rice for this recipe.
5. Can I add more veggies?
Definitely! Bell peppers, zucchini, peas, carrots, or green beans all pair beautifully with this dish.
Why This Dish is a Weeknight Winner
This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. It’s easy to prep, impressively flavorful, and only requires one pan, making it perfect for families, meal prep, or anyone short on time. The combination of tender chicken, seasoned rice, colorful veggies, and a sticky honey BBQ glaze is simply irresistible—and the leftover-friendly nature makes it practical too.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice delivers on taste, convenience, and wow-factor. Its balance of juicy chicken, flavorful rice, and sweet-savory sauce will make it a repeat favorite in your recipe rotation. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables, spice levels, or cheese. One pan, endless flavor, and minimal cleanup—what’s not to love?
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