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- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on - 1 cup long-grain rice - 2 cups chicken broth - 1/2 cup honey - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup corn, frozen or fresh - 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced When making One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice, start with fresh, quality ingredients. The chicken thighs bring rich flavor and tenderness. Bone-in and skin-on thighs are best for this dish. They stay juicy during cooking. You need long-grain rice for a fluffy texture. It cooks well in the broth and absorbs the sauce. For the broth, use a good-quality chicken broth. This adds depth to the dish. The sauce blends honey and BBQ sauce. Honey gives sweetness, while BBQ sauce adds tang. Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for personal taste. Olive oil helps in cooking the chicken and adds richness. Next, we add vegetables. Diced onion and minced garlic create a fragrant base. They add flavor and aroma. Corn adds sweetness and color, while the green bell pepper brings crunch. Together, these ingredients make the dish vibrant and wholesome. {{ingredient_image_1}} Searing the Chicken Thighs First, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your pan over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken. Add 4 chicken thighs, skin-side down. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes until the skin turns golden brown. Then, flip the chicken and sear the other side for 5 more minutes. This step gives the chicken great flavor and a nice texture. Seasoning Instructions Before you start cooking, season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Rub the spices all over the chicken. This adds a lovely taste that pairs well with the honey and BBQ sauce. Sautéing Onions and Garlic Once the chicken is done, take it out and set it aside. In the same pan, add 1 diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Cook until the onion looks soft and translucent. Then, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 1 more minute. The smell will be amazing! Combining Rice, Broth, Honey, and BBQ Sauce Now it’s time to add in the rice. Pour in 1 cup of long-grain rice, followed by 2 cups of chicken broth. Add in 1/2 cup of honey and 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce. Mix everything well so the rice gets coated in all those sweet and savory flavors. Adding Vegetables Next, return the chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side up. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pan with a lid. After that, let it cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes. In the last 5 minutes, stir in 1/2 cup of corn and 1/2 cup of diced green bell pepper. This adds color and crunch to the dish. Cooking Time and Checking Doneness After 20-25 minutes, check if the rice is cooked. You want it tender and fluffy. Also, check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. After cooking, remove the pan from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together. To get that lovely crisp skin, choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Start with a hot pan and add oil. Place the chicken skin-side down. Let it cook without moving it for 5-7 minutes. This creates a nice golden crust. After flipping, sear for another 5 minutes. Timing is key to juicy chicken. After searing, cook the chicken with rice for 20-25 minutes. This ensures the chicken cooks through while the rice soaks up flavor. Always check the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Want more flavor? Try adding spices like paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds heat. Mix these spices with salt and pepper before seasoning the chicken. This extra layer of flavor makes the dish pop. Choose a BBQ sauce you love. Sweet sauces pair well with honey. If you like tangy flavors, go for a vinegar-based sauce. Some brands offer spicy options too. Feel free to mix your favorite sauces for a unique taste. To serve, fluff the rice with a fork. This makes it light and airy. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for color. Serve straight from the pan for a cozy, rustic look. It feels more inviting and casual. Pair this dish with a fresh salad or steamed veggies. Roasted broccoli or green beans work well too. You can also add some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. These sides balance the meal and add more color to your plate. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure the chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for juicy, safe-to-eat meat. Rice Texture: Fluff the rice gently with a fork after cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy and to keep the grains separate. Customize Your BBQ Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces for varied flavors; a spicy sauce adds a nice kick! Vegetable Variations: You can add other vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrients and color in the dish. {{image_2}} Substituting Chicken Thighs If you want variety, try other meats. Chicken breasts work well. They cook faster, so check for doneness sooner. Pork chops are another option. They add a nice twist to the dish. Using Cooked Chicken Using leftover cooked chicken makes this meal quick. Just add it after sautéing the onions and garlic. Mix it in with the rice and sauce for flavor. This saves time and still tastes great. Exploring Different Rice Types You can switch up the rice for fun. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor. It needs more cooking time, so adjust the broth and simmer longer. Jasmine rice gives a fragrant touch, perfect for this dish. Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice Options Quinoa offers a protein boost and cooks faster. Use the same amount as rice. Cauliflower rice is a low-carb choice. It cooks quickly, so mix it in during the last few minutes of cooking. Homemade BBQ Sauce Ideas Making your own BBQ sauce brings fresh flavors. Use ketchup, vinegar, and spices for a base. Add honey for sweetness or hot sauce for a kick. Create your unique blend that suits your taste. Adjusting Sweetness with Honey You can change the sweetness to fit your liking. If you want it sweeter, add more honey. For less sweetness, reduce the honey amount. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Best Practices for Storage After you finish your meal, let the dish cool for about 30 minutes. This step helps keep the food fresh. Once cooled, place the leftovers in the fridge. They should stay good for about 3-4 days. Containers to Use Use airtight containers for best results. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they have tight lids. This keeps moisture in and prevents smells from mixing. Methods for Reheating You can reheat your One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice in different ways. The microwave is quick and easy. Just cover it with a damp paper towel. You can also use a skillet on low heat. This keeps the chicken crispy. Maintaining Texture and Flavor To keep the rice fluffy, add a splash of chicken broth or water. Stir it well while reheating. This helps it stay moist and tasty. How to Freeze One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Let the dish cool completely. Then, scoop portions into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out any air before sealing. This prevents freezer burn. Thawing and Reheating Process When you're ready to eat, thaw the meal in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave on the defrost setting. Reheat as mentioned before, adding liquid to keep it moist. Enjoy your flavorful dish anytime! It takes about 50 minutes in total. You spend 10 minutes prepping the ingredients. Cooking takes around 40 minutes. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. Cook them for about 20 minutes instead. This helps them stay juicy and tender. You can use quinoa, farro, or even cauliflower rice. Each substitute has different cooking times. Quinoa needs about 15 minutes, while farro takes about 30 minutes. Cauliflower rice cooks in just 5 minutes. Adjust the liquids based on what you choose. This blog post covered the essential steps to make One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice. We discussed the key ingredients, cooking methods, and tips for the best taste. You explored various protein and rice options for flexibility. Storing leftovers and reheating methods help keep your meal fresh. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. With this recipe, you can enjoy a tasty dish that fits your needs. Experiment with flavors and make it your own! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

A delicious one-pan meal featuring tender chicken thighs cooked with rice in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 piece onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
  • none Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Begin by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
  • Season the chicken thighs with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  • Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown, then flip and sear the other side for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  • In the same pan, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an extra minute.
  • Stir in the rice, followed by the chicken broth, honey, and BBQ sauce. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
  • Return the chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side up. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 20-25 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the corn and diced green bell pepper.
  • Remove the pan from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch. Serve directly from the pan for a rustic feel!
Keyword BBQ, chicken, one pan, rice