One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken (Printable)

Tender honey BBQ chicken with fluffy rice and veggies, all cooked together in one pan for a quick 40-minute family meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - Salt and pepper to taste
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
05 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

→ Sauce

06 - ½ cup BBQ sauce
07 - ¼ cup honey

→ Rice & Vegetables

08 - 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
09 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 1 cup mixed vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, and carrots, fresh or frozen

# How To Make It:

01 - Coat chicken pieces evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a light drizzle of oil. Sear chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until lightly browned
03 - Whisk together BBQ sauce and honey in a small bowl until fully combined
04 - Pour the honey BBQ mixture over the seared chicken and stir to coat all pieces evenly
05 - Add rinsed rice and chicken broth to the pan, stirring gently to combine with the chicken and glaze
06 - Bring mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly with a lid and cook for 20 minutes
07 - Scatter mixed vegetables over the top during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Cover and steam until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed
08 - Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice gently with a fork before serving

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is just a quick rinse and you're done.
  • The honey BBQ glaze caramelizes just enough to coat every grain of rice with sweet, smoky flavor.
  • It's flexible enough to use whatever vegetables are languishing in your crisper drawer.
  • Weeknight friendly but impressive enough that it feels like you actually tried.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the rice or you'll end up with a gummy, sticky mess instead of fluffy grains.
  • Resist the urge to lift the lid during the twenty-minute simmer, every peek releases steam and messes with the cooking time.
  • If your rice seems dry before it's tender, add a splash more broth and cover again for a few extra minutes.
03 -
  • Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or a pan with a tight-fitting lid to prevent scorching and ensure even heat distribution.
  • For a crispy top, transfer the finished dish to a broiler-safe pan and broil for two minutes until the edges caramelize.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving to brighten all the flavors and cut through the richness.
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