One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice: Sweet, Smoky, and a Weeknight Game Changer!
Get ready to revolutionize your weeknight dinners with this incredible One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice! This dish is a true game-changer, bringing together juicy, tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables, all coated in a luscious, sticky honey BBQ glaze. The best part? It all cooks in a single pan, ensuring minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. It’s a comforting, satisfying, and unbelievably easy meal that your whole family will absolutely adore!
Why This One-Skillet Meal is a Must-Try
One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze and weeknights stress-free.
Irresistible Flavor: The sweet and smoky honey BBQ glaze perfectly complements the savory chicken and rice.
Complete Meal: Protein, carbs, and veggies all in one dish, making for a balanced and satisfying dinner.
Easy & Efficient: Simple steps and quick cooking time make it perfect for busy schedules.
Family Favorite: A crowd-pleasing flavor profile that appeals to all ages.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice:
Ingredients (Serves 4):
1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, cubed (boneless, skinless recommended)
1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
1 tbsp olive oil
½ cup chopped yellow onion (about ½ medium onion)
1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color, or a mix)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup your favorite BBQ sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional: ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions: Brown, Simmer, and Savor the Simplicity!
1. Brown the Chicken:
Pat the cubed chicken thighs or breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (with a lid) over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
Add the chopped yellow onion and chopped bell peppers to the same skillet (add a touch more oil if needed). Cook for 5-7 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
3. Add Rice, Broth, and Seasonings:
Stir the rinsed long-grain white rice into the vegetables in the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring, to lightly toast the rice.
Pour in the 2 cups chicken broth. Stir in the smoked paprika and garlic powder.
Bring the mixture to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
4. Return Chicken and Simmer:
Return the browned chicken to the skillet, nestling it evenly into the rice and liquid.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly with a lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during this time.
5. Glaze and Serve:
Once the rice is cooked and liquid absorbed, remove the lid.
In a small bowl, whisk together the ½ cup BBQ sauce and 2 tbsp honey.
Pour the honey BBQ glaze evenly over the chicken and rice in the skillet. Gently toss everything together until well coated.
Cover the skillet again and let it sit off the heat for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the glaze to set.
Fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Serve directly from the skillet and enjoy your incredible One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice!
Tips for One-Skillet Success
Chicken Choice: Chicken thighs will result in a juicier, more flavorful dish, but chicken breasts work well too. Cubing them ensures even and quick cooking.
Rinse Rice: Rinsing the rice beforehand helps remove excess starch, preventing the dish from becoming overly gummy.
Don’t Lift the Lid: It’s crucial not to lift the lid while the rice is simmering. This traps the steam needed to cook the rice perfectly.
Skillet Size: Use a skillet large enough to comfortably hold all ingredients, preferably one that is oven-safe if you prefer to finish it in the oven (though not required for this recipe).
Customizable Glaze: Adjust the amount of honey or Sriracha/hot sauce in your BBQ glaze to suit your preferred level of sweetness and spice.
Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in other quick-cooking vegetables with the bell peppers, like frozen peas (add them with the rice for the last 5 minutes of cooking).
This One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is a testament to how delicious and satisfying a weeknight meal can be with just one pan. Enjoy the simple pleasure of comforting food with minimal effort!