Description
This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with flavorful, honey-sweetened BBQ sauce and perfectly cooked rice in a single oven-safe skillet. It’s an easy, comforting dish that requires minimal cleanup and delivers a sweet and smoky taste that’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 5 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Rice and Sauce
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish.
- Prepare chicken: Place the chicken thighs on a clean surface and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning.
- Season chicken: Season both sides of the chicken thighs evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt for a balanced flavor.
- Heat oil: Warm the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for searing the chicken.
- Sear chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the hot skillet and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, which locks in juices and adds flavor.
- Set chicken aside: Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate temporarily.
- Deglaze skillet: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and stir to scrape up browned bits from the bottom, adding depth to the sauce.
- Add honey and BBQ sauce: Stir in the honey and BBQ sauce until fully combined, creating a sweet and tangy base.
- Add rice: Stir in the uncooked rice gently, ensuring all grains are evenly coated with the sauce mixture for uniform flavor.
- Return chicken to skillet: Nestle the chicken thighs back into the rice, allowing flavors to meld during baking.
- Cover skillet: Place a lid or aluminum foil over the skillet to trap steam and cook the rice properly.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and chicken is tender.
- Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish if desired for a fresh, bright finish.
- Serve: Plate the chicken thighs on a bed of the flavorful honey BBQ rice and enjoy your hearty one-pan meal.
Notes
- Make sure your skillet is oven-safe before starting this recipe to avoid issues when transferring to the oven.
- Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures even cooking and quick preparation.
- If you prefer, substitute BBQ sauce with your favorite variety (smoky, spicy, or mild).
- For a lower sugar option, reduce the honey or choose a sugar-free BBQ sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or onions into the skillet before baking for added nutrition and flavor.
