One-Pan Smoky Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice: Easy Weeknight Meal! 🍗🍯🔥
1. Introduction
Looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying dinner that requires minimal cleanup? The One-Pan Smoky Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice recipe is your perfect solution. This One-Pan Chicken & Rice Recipe combines tender, smoky chicken with sweet honey barbecue flavor, all cooked in a single skillet. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful meal without fuss. This dish not only delivers on taste but also simplifies cooking and cleaning—making it a favorite for weeknight dinners and casual gatherings.
2. Ingredients for the Smoky Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup smoky honey BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or sesame seeds
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Chicken & Rice Recipe
Preparing the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts or thighs and sear each side until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cooking the Rice
In the same skillet, add the rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly toasted. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the rice is nearly tender.
Adding the Chicken and BBQ Sauce
Nestle the cooked chicken back into the skillet on top of the rice. Spoon the smoky honey BBQ sauce over both the chicken and rice. Cover and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is fluffy. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
Final Touches
For extra flavor, sprinkle with chopped cilantro or sliced green onions. Serve hot directly from the skillet for an effortless, rustic presentation. This meal pairs well with a side of Greek cucumber salad or refreshing fruit salad.
4. Storage Tips for Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the remaining Smoky Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. To keep the dish moist, add a splash of chicken broth or water during reheating.
5. Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect on its own, but you can elevate your meal by serving it with a side of crispy vegetables or a fresh salad. For a more indulgent twist, top with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. To enhance your cooking experience, consider using the Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 for quick side dishes or the CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set for easy cleanup.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Smoky Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor. Adjust cooking time accordingly; they may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
What if I want a milder flavor?
You can substitute the smoky honey BBQ sauce with a milder barbecue sauce or even tomato-based sauce for a less smoky profile.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prepping. Simply store leftovers in airtight containers and reheat for a quick, satisfying meal throughout the week.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
From start to finish, this recipe takes approximately 30-35 minutes, making it a quick dinner option for busy weeknights.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – Make cooking easier with durable, nonstick pots and pans that perfectly handle this chicken & rice dish.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Prep ingredients swiftly, whether chopping vegetables or measuring ingredients.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – Chill beverages and drinks to serve alongside this meal.
8. Conclusion
The One-Pan Smoky Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice offers a delicious and effortless way to enjoy a flavorful weeknight dinner. Its combination of smoky sweetness, tender chicken, and fluffy rice makes it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual get-togethers. With simple ingredients and streamlined cooking steps, you can have a hearty, satisfying meal on your table in under 40 minutes. Give this easy chicken & rice recipe a try and enjoy both its taste and convenience!
9. Final thoughts
Cooking a delicious meal doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools and a straightforward recipe like this, anyone can make a flavorful, wholesome dish that everyone will love. Don’t forget to explore different variations and experiment with your favorite ingredients to create your perfect One-Pan Smoky Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice every time.
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One-Pan Smoky Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice: Easy Weeknight Meal!
Enjoy a quick and delicious weeknight dinner with the One-Pan Smoky Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice recipe. This easy-to-make dish combines tender, smoky chicken with sweet honey barbecue flavor, all cooked in a single skillet for minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy evenings, this flavorful meal is sure to become a family favorite, offering a hearty combination of juicy chicken and fluffy rice infused with smoky sweetness.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup smoky honey BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or sesame seeds
Instructions
- Start by seasoning the chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear each side until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly toasted. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the rice is nearly tender.
- Nestle the cooked chicken back into the skillet on top of the rice. Spoon the smoky honey BBQ sauce over both the chicken and rice. Cover and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F) and the rice is fluffy.
- Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding sliced green onions, cilantro, or sesame seeds as garnishes.
- Adjust cooking times if using chicken thighs for juicier results.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free, Dairy-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg