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One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe

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If you’re hunting for a delicious meal that combines comfort, flavor, and quick preparation, you have to try this One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe. It effortlessly brings together tender chicken, sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, and fluffy rice all cooked in a single pan, making dinner both satisfying and super easy to clean up afterward. Every bite bursts with warmth and homestyle goodness, making it an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or anytime you crave a cozy, hearty dish.

One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long list to create something spectacular. This One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that pack punchy flavor, appealing textures, and a vibrant color palette that brightens up your plate.

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Perfectly tender and juicy when cooked just right, these provide the protein foundation for the dish.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the chicken beautifully and adds a subtle richness.
  • 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens and caramelizes.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and a little zing.
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice: The perfect fluffy base to soak up all the saucy goodness.
  • 2 cups chicken broth: Adds moisture and boosts savory flavor, ensuring the rice cooks perfectly.
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce: Brings that classic tangy, smoky kick that defines this recipe.
  • 2 tablespoons honey: Balances the tang of the BBQ sauce with a touch of natural sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smokiness enhancing the overall BBQ vibe.
  • ½ teaspoon salt: Elevates all ingredients’ natural flavors.
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right hint of spice without overpowering.
  • 1 cup frozen corn: Pops of sweetness plus a vibrant color contrast in every spoonful.
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Melts into gooey perfection, making the dish even more comforting.
  • Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish: Freshness and bright green color to finish things off beautifully.

How to Make One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces and cook them until they’re lightly browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Browning your chicken at this stage is crucial because it locks in juices and builds a deep flavor foundation for the whole dish.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic with the browned chicken. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent. The mix of fragrant garlic and softened onion creates an irresistible aroma that signals dinner is on its way.

Step 3: Add Rice and Liquids

Stir in the rice, chicken broth, BBQ sauce, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper right into the skillet. Give everything a good mix to combine those flavors evenly. Then bring the mixture to a boil, which helps jump-start the rice cooking process and infuses it with that incredible BBQ and honey glaze.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes. This lets the rice soak up all the flavorful liquid and become perfectly tender. Patience here pays off, as you’ll get beautifully cooked rice infused with those sweet and smoky notes.

Step 5: Stir in Corn and Melt Cheese

Once the rice is tender, stir in the frozen corn and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the corn is heated through. If you love cheesy dishes, sprinkle shredded cheddar on top, cover again, and allow the cheese to melt completely in about 2 minutes. That touch of molten cheese adds creamy richness that everyone will adore.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish by scattering chopped green onions or parsley over the skillet for a fresh, colorful pop that brightens both the flavor and the plate. Now you’re ready to dig into this heavenly one-pan wonder!

How to Serve One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe

One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions adds a mild pungency and lovely green hue, while parsley lends a clean, herbaceous note that balances the sweet and smoky flavors. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lime for a hint of brightness if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with crisp, refreshing sides brings contrast that elevates every bite. Think simple garden salads with lemon vinaigrette or roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus. A side of coleslaw also works beautifully, introducing creamy crunch that complements the BBQ flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a lovely family-style presentation, serve the One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe straight from the pan at the center of the table, letting everyone help themselves. For an individual flair, plate the dish in shallow bowls garnished with extra herbs and a drizzle of BBQ sauce or hot sauce for a personalized kick.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. This One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it a great candidate for quick lunches or easy second meals.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish too! After cooling completely, place it in a freezer-safe container or portion it out in meal prep containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to bring back moisture. Alternatively, microwave individual portions covered loosely to avoid drying out. Adding a touch of fresh garnish after reheating revitalizes the flavors wonderfully.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes! Brown rice is a healthy swap, but it needs a little more cooking time and extra liquid. Increase the chicken broth slightly and simmer for about 35 to 40 minutes until tender.

Is it okay to use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work just as well in this recipe. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and be careful not to overcook to keep them juicy.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

While it’s traditionally made with chicken, you can substitute with plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth. Adjust cooking times accordingly and add your favorite BBQ sauce for flavor.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Choose a smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce you love since it’s a key flavor component. Whether store-bought or homemade, just make sure it balances well with the honey to avoid overpowering sweetness or tanginess.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or green beans make fantastic additions. Add them toward the end of cooking so they stay vibrant and crisp.

Final Thoughts

This One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe is exactly the kind of dish you want in your weeknight rotation—simple, flavorful, and utterly comforting. It’s a sure crowd-pleaser that brings warmth to your table and smiles to your loved ones’ faces. Once you try it, I promise it will become one of your go-to easy dinner favorites. So grab your skillet and dive in!

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One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.4 from 31 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A delicious and quick one-skillet honey BBQ chicken and rice recipe that’s perfect for a comforting family dinner. Tender chicken pieces are cooked with aromatic onions and garlic, then simmered with rice in a flavorful combination of BBQ sauce, honey, and smoked paprika. Finished with sweet corn and optional melted cheddar cheese, this easy stovetop meal is packed with flavor and ready in just 35 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 4–5 minutes until they are lightly browned on all sides.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
  3. Add rice and liquids: Stir in the long-grain white rice, chicken broth, BBQ sauce, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to combine.
  4. Simmer the mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
  5. Add corn: Stir in the frozen corn and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the corn is heated through.
  6. Melt cheese (optional): If using shredded cheddar cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover and let the cheese melt for about 2 minutes.
  7. Garnish and serve: Finish by garnishing with chopped green onions or parsley. Serve the dish warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • You can substitute brown rice for white rice, but increase the chicken broth slightly and simmer for 35–40 minutes until the rice is cooked through.
  • This dish works well with leftover rotisserie chicken—simply stir in cooked chicken along with the corn to season and heat through.
  • Using gluten-free BBQ sauce makes this recipe gluten-free; ensure all other ingredients are compliant if dietary needs apply.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

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