Welcome to One-Pan Happiness!
Hey there, fellow food lover! I can’t wait to share this deliciously simple recipe for One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice. It’s one of those meals that makes my weeknights feel special without the fuss and mess of a gourmet dinner. I mean, who doesn’t love a hearty meal that can be whipped up in just one pan? The sticky sweetness of honey combined with BBQ sauce creates a flavor explosion that makes everyone at the table happy. I guarantee this will become one of your go-to recipes!
Nutritional Benefits
Now, let’s talk about what’s in this delightful dish. Chicken breast is not only low in fat but also a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health. And let’s not forget about rice—it’s a great source of carbohydrates, providing energy to power through your day. Using brown rice instead of white increases fiber content, which is super important for digestion. Plus, you can load up on the veggies if you want; mixing in some spinach or bell peppers would be a great way to sneak those in!
Fun Adaptable Variations
This recipe is incredibly flexible, and you can tweak it based on what’s in your pantry or your dietary needs. Here are some ideas:
- Swap the Rice: Use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist. Cauliflower rice lends a wonderful texture without all those carbs!
- Dairy-Free or Gluten-Free Options: Substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version. You can use maple syrup if you’re avoiding refined sugars from honey.
- Extra Veggies: Mix in some frozen peas or corn in the last couple of minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color!
Your Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by dicing your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Chop the green onions and set them aside for garnish later.
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pan. Season with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is beautifully browned and cooked through.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and minced garlic. This is where all the magic happens!
- Incorporate the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked chicken in the pan. Give it a good stir to coat the chicken, and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. You want those flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Add the Rice: Next, add the uncooked rice into the pan, followed by the chicken broth. Stir everything together until it’s well combined—trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed all that delicious broth.
- Finishing Touches: Once the rice is tender, remove the pan from heat. Let it sit for a few minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork—this makes a big difference in taste and texture!
- Serve: Garnish your dish with the chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful creation!
Practical & Valuable Tips
- If you want to save time, you can prep the chicken and sauce the night before! Just put them in separate containers in the fridge.
- Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in a pan or microwave!
- For a bit of crunch, consider adding some crushed peanuts or cashews on top before serving.
Equipment Needed
Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need:
- A large skillet or pan
- A cutting board and knife for prepping your ingredients
- A small bowl for mixing the sauce
- A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring
- A fork for fluffing the rice
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can! Just make sure it’s fully thawed and cooked through before proceeding with the recipe.
- What if I don’t have BBQ sauce? You can use sriracha or hot sauce for a spicy kick, or even teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile!
- How can I make this dish spicier? Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mix before pouring it over the chicken.
- Is it okay to use a rice cooker instead? Absolutely! Just follow your rice cooker instructions but keep the chicken preparation the same.
- Can I make this dish in advance? Yes! You can prepare everything a day ahead and simply reheat it when you’re ready to eat.
Let’s Connect!
I’d love to hear how your One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice turned out! Did you make any of the fun variations? Connect with me on Pinterest and share your delicious creations or ideas! Happy cooking!
