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Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Caroline

Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

This quick and comforting one-pan meal features tender chicken simmered with honey BBQ sauce, fluffy rice, and savory aromatics — a family-friendly dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, One-Pan Meal
Cuisine: American
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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
  • 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)

Equipment

  • large skillet or sauté pan with lid
  • mixing bowls
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and barbecue sauce until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Stir in the uncooked rice and cook for 1 minute to coat it in the aromatics.
  5. Pour in chicken broth, stir, then place the seared chicken back on top. Pour the honey BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken and rice.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
  7. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

Adjust sweetness by reducing honey if your BBQ sauce is already very sweet. For smoky depth, use a hickory-flavored barbecue sauce. This dish is excellent for meal prep — portion into containers for quick lunches.