![For One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, gather these key ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup long-grain rice - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite) - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup frozen peas - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Chopped green onions for garnish These items form the backbone of the dish. The chicken brings protein, while rice offers a hearty base. Adding veggies like bell pepper and peas boosts color and nutrition. You can enhance the dish with these optional ingredients: - Lemon juice for brightness - Chili flakes for a spicy kick - Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro These extras can make the dish more exciting. A splash of lemon adds freshness, while herbs bring depth. If you can't find something, here are some swaps: - Chicken thighs can be replaced with breasts, but they may dry out. - Brown rice works if you adjust cooking time. - Any BBQ sauce will do, but try to choose one you love. Using substitutes can still yield tasty outcomes. Just remember to tweak cooking times for different rice or chicken cuts. Enjoy experimenting! For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Start by gathering all your ingredients. For this dish, you need chicken thighs, rice, chicken broth, BBQ sauce, honey, olive oil, red bell pepper, peas, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. 1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 2. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. This adds flavor. 3. Place the chicken in the pan and sear it for about 5 minutes on each side. Look for a golden-brown color. 4. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. Now, let’s build flavor in the same pan. 1. Add minced garlic and diced red bell pepper to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes. You want them soft but not mushy. 2. Stir in the long-grain rice. Make sure it gets coated with the oil and flavors from the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes. This helps the rice absorb flavors. 3. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. While the mixture boils, let's prepare the honey BBQ sauce. 1. In a small bowl, mix your favorite BBQ sauce with honey. This will give a sweet and tangy flavor. 2. Return the seared chicken thighs to the pan. Spoon the honey BBQ mixture over them. 3. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 20 minutes. The rice will cook and absorb the broth. 4. About 5 minutes before it's done, add frozen peas on top. Do not stir. The steam will cook them perfectly. 5. Once finished, remove from heat. Let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped green onions. Follow these steps for a delicious one-pan meal! You can find the Full Recipe for more details. When cooking chicken, start with high-quality meat. I prefer boneless, skinless thighs for their rich flavor. Always season the chicken with salt and pepper. This basic step enhances the taste. Sear the chicken until it's golden brown. This step gives the chicken a nice crust. It also locks in moisture. Remember to let the chicken rest after cooking. This helps keep it juicy. For perfect rice, rinse it before cooking. Rinsing removes excess starch and prevents clumping. Use long-grain rice for the best texture. I always measure the broth carefully. The right liquid-to-rice ratio is key. Bring the broth to a boil before adding the rice. Stir it gently and cover the pan. Avoid lifting the lid while it cooks. This lets steam escape, which can ruin the rice. To boost flavor, try using a mix of BBQ sauce and honey. This combo gives a sweet and tangy taste. Adding garlic and red bell pepper during cooking builds depth. Frozen peas add color and a pop of sweetness. Finish with chopped green onions for freshness. They add crunch and a bright flavor. For a smoky twist, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika. Each of these tips makes your one-pan honey BBQ chicken rice even more delicious. For the full recipe, check out the previous section. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of this dish. Instead of chicken, try using chickpeas or tofu. Both options add protein and texture. Cook the chickpeas or tofu in the same way as the chicken. Use the same spices to keep the flavor strong. You can also add more veggies, like zucchini or carrots, for extra nutrition. If you want a spicy kick, add some chili powder or diced jalapeños. For a tangy twist, mix in some apple cider vinegar or a splash of lime juice. You can also try using different BBQ sauces. Experiment with fruity sauces like mango or peach for a sweet touch. These small changes can make your meal more exciting. Seasons change, and so can your ingredients! In spring, add fresh asparagus or snap peas to your rice. In summer, use diced tomatoes or corn. For fall, consider pumpkin or butternut squash. In winter, root vegetables like sweet potatoes work well. Each season brings new flavors, so don't hesitate to switch things up. You can find the Full Recipe to try these variations and create your own special dish! To keep your One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice fresh, let it cool first. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to separate the rice from the chicken if you prefer. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps maintain the best flavor and texture. If you plan to eat it later, storing it properly is key. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, use the stovetop or microwave. For the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to the pan. Heat on low, stirring gently until warmed through. This keeps the rice moist and fluffy. If using a microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. This method prevents the rice from drying out. You can freeze One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice for longer storage. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. It stays good for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, follow the same stovetop or microwave methods above. This way, you’ll enjoy a quick, tasty meal without losing flavor. Yes, you can use brown rice. Brown rice has more fiber and nutrients. It takes longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time. You’ll need about 1.5 cups of chicken broth. Brown rice adds a nice texture and nutty flavor. Check the chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C). The juices should run clear, not pink. Cut into the thickest part to check for doneness. If it looks white and firm, it’s ready. I recommend using your favorite BBQ sauce. Sweet, smoky, or tangy sauces work well. You can try a honey BBQ sauce for extra sweetness. A spicy version adds a kick, if you like heat. Experiment with different flavors for fun! For the complete steps to make this dish, refer to the Full Recipe. This post covered the key ingredients, simple steps, and smart tips for making chicken and rice. You learned about essential and optional ingredients, plus how to switch them out. I shared methods to cook chicken and rice together for tasty results. Lastly, you found storage advice and answers to common questions. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making this dish your own!](https://foodishtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/b5a00583-3b33-44cd-86fb-bb1bd9d40b92.webp)
Ingredients
Method
In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Add the chicken thighs to the pan and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
Stir in the rice, ensuring it's coated with the oil and other ingredients, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce with honey until well combined. Then, return the chicken to the pan and spoon the honey BBQ mixture over the chicken.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
During the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas on top. Do not stir; let the residual steam cook the peas.
Once done, remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork.
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4