What kind of rice is best for One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?

Long-grain white rice varieties like basmati or jasmine are highly recommended. They cook evenly, absorb the rich flavors well, and yield a tender, fluffy texture perfect for this dish. Brown rice can be used but requires more liquid and a longer cooking time.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out in a one-pan dish?

To ensure juicy chicken, cut pieces into uniform sizes for even cooking. Basting the chicken with the pan liquid during cooking helps retain moisture. Using chicken thighs, which have higher fat content, is also an excellent way to prevent dryness.

Can I make One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice spicier?

Absolutely! To add a kick, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the BBQ sauce mixture before cooking. A dash of your favorite hot sauce or finely diced fresh jalapeño added with the vegetables can also elevate the heat.

What vegetables pair well with One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?

Bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), chopped onions, frozen corn, and peas are excellent additions that cook nicely in a one-pan format. For harder vegetables like carrots or broccoli florets, add them earlier in the cooking process to ensure they become tender.

How long does One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice last in the fridge?

When stored promptly in an airtight container, leftover One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice can be safely refrigerated for 3-4 days. Ensure the dish cools completely before transferring it to the container for storage.

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative. They tend to stay more tender and juicy than chicken breasts during the cooking process, adding a rich, savory depth of flavor to the dish. Cooking times may need slight adjustments.

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice: Your New Weeknight Obsession 2025

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

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There is something deeply satisfying about a meal that comes together in a single pan, filling the kitchen with an aroma that promises both comfort and flavor. This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is that kind of meal. It was born on a particularly chaotic Tuesday, when the sink was full of dishes and my patience was running low. I needed something that felt like a treat but required the effort of a simple weeknight staple. The result was this glorious, sticky, savory-sweet dish that has since become a non-negotiable part of our dinner rotation. It is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a genius for how little cleanup it demands and how much your family will adore it.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken and Marinade:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/3 cup bold and smoky BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Rice and Veggies:

1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
1 3/4 cups chicken broth
1 bell pepper, any color, diced
1/2 yellow onion, diced
Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or green onions

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Add the cubed chicken pieces and toss until they are thoroughly coated. Let it sit while you prep the other ingredients; even 10 minutes makes a difference.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces, reserving any excess marinade in the bowl. Cook for 3-4 minutes, just until the chicken is browned on all sides but not cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. This step builds layers of flavor right in the pan.
Combine and Simmer: Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir it with the vegetables for about a minute. Pour in the chicken broth and the reserved marinade from the chicken bowl. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—that’s pure flavor. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
Finish in the Oven: Carefully nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the skillet, distributing them evenly over the rice. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil and transfer it to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming and become perfectly fluffy. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, and serve immediately.

Notes

Pro Tip: Do not peek while the dish is in the oven! Keeping the lid on traps the steam, which is essential for cooking the rice properly. Smart Swaps: Chicken: This recipe works wonderfully with pork tenderloin cubes or even large shrimp. BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought brand. For a spicier kick, opt for a chipotle-infused variety. Rice: Brown rice can be used but will require a longer cook time and more liquid. Adjust accordingly. Veggies: Feel free to add a cup of frozen corn or black beans along with the bell pepper for extra color and fiber.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 485
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 35g

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/one-pan-bold-honey-bbq-chicken-rice/