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- 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 When I make One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, I always start with quality chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender, which makes a big difference in flavor. I use long-grain rice for a fluffy texture. Low-sodium chicken broth gives the rice a rich taste without too much salt. Next, I add my flavor enhancers. BBQ sauce is key. It brings a sweet and tangy kick. Honey adds a touch of sweetness that pairs well with the BBQ. I use olive oil to help cook the chicken and veggies. The vegetables are just as important. I love the crunch of a fresh red bell pepper. Frozen peas are great for a pop of color and nutrition. Garlic brings a warm, savory aroma, while paprika, salt, and pepper elevate all the flavors. For the full recipe, check out the details above. This dish is not just easy to make; it's also a delight to share with family and friends! To start, season the chicken thighs. Use salt, pepper, and paprika. Coat both sides well. This will add great flavor to the meat. Next, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken. Sear each thigh for about five minutes. Look for a nice golden crust. When they are browned, take them out and set them aside. In the same pan, add minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. This step brings out the sweet and savory notes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring often. You want the bell pepper to soften and the garlic to become fragrant. This creates a flavor base for the rice. Now, add uncooked long-grain rice. Stir well to coat the rice in the oil and flavors. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the rice looks slightly translucent. This helps enhance the rice's flavor. Next, pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Increase the heat to bring it to a gentle boil. In a small bowl, whisk together your BBQ sauce and honey. Mix until it is smooth. Once combined, return the seared chicken to the pan. Place it right on top of the rice. Spoon the honey BBQ mixture over the chicken generously. This will create a tasty glaze as it cooks. Lower the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the rice to cook and absorb the broth. In the last five minutes, sprinkle frozen peas on top. Do not stir them in; just cover the pan again. The steam will warm the peas perfectly. Once cooking is done, take the pan off the heat. Let it sit covered for another five minutes. This resting time keeps all the flavors locked in. After resting, fluff the rice gently with a fork. Finally, garnish the dish with chopped green onions. This adds a fresh touch. You can serve it warm, enjoying the sweet and tangy flavor of the honey BBQ chicken rice. For the full recipe, check the previous section. To ensure your chicken is thoroughly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This step keeps your meal safe and juicy. Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps seal in moisture. To achieve fluffy rice, rinse the rice under cold water before cooking. This step removes excess starch and prevents stickiness. Stir the rice gently during cooking to keep it from clumping. Lastly, let the rice sit covered for a bit after cooking. This will help it fluff up nicely. You can adjust the BBQ sauce to suit your taste. Try adding a splash of hot sauce for some heat or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Feel free to mix in some mustard or Worcestershire sauce for depth. These simple tweaks can elevate your dish. For alternative seasonings, consider adding smoked paprika for a richer flavor. Herbs like thyme or rosemary can also enhance the dish. Experiment with different spices to find your perfect blend. For serving styles, you can dish the chicken and rice directly from the skillet. This gives a warm, cozy feel. If you want a more polished look, plate the rice first and then top it with the chicken. For visual appeal, add garnishes like fresh parsley or cilantro. Chopped green onions also add a nice crunch. A drizzle of additional BBQ sauce can make the dish extra tempting. Enjoy your beautiful creation! {{image_4}} You can switch out chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer. Breasts cook faster and are leaner. Thighs offer more flavor and juiciness. You can also use quinoa or brown rice instead of long-grain rice. Quinoa adds protein and a nutty flavor, while brown rice gives a chewier texture. Try different BBQ sauce flavors to change the taste. Use honey BBQ for sweetness or a smoky sauce for depth. If you want heat, add hot sauce or diced jalapeños. These spicy additions can give your dish an exciting kick. To make it gluten-free, choose a gluten-free BBQ sauce. You can also swap out traditional rice for cauliflower rice. For vegetarians, use plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh. Cook them in the same way as the chicken for similar flavors. These swaps keep the meal tasty and inclusive for everyone. For the full recipe, check out the one-pan honey BBQ chicken rice. To store your One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, let it cool to room temperature. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the dish fresh. Use a container that seals well, like glass or plastic. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy your meal later. When you’re ready to eat, reheat your chicken and rice safely. You can use the microwave or a skillet. For the microwave, place the dish in for about two minutes. Stir halfway for even heating. If you use a skillet, add a splash of water. This helps keep the rice moist. Heat on low until warm. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Portion the chicken and rice into small containers. This makes it easy to thaw later. Label each container with the date. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. Just be sure to check that it’s hot all the way through. Yes, you can use various types of rice. Long-grain rice works best for this dish, but you can also use jasmine or basmati rice. If you prefer brown rice, add an extra cup of broth and increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes. Just make sure to adjust the liquid based on the type of rice you choose. To ensure the chicken is safe to eat, check its internal temperature. It should reach at least 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accurate readings. The chicken should look white and no pink should show. If you cut into it, the juices should run clear. Yes, you can save time by using pre-cooked chicken. You can also choose instant rice, which cooks faster. Another tip is to chop the veggies in advance. This way, you can just toss them in the pan when you start cooking. This dish pairs well with simple side salads. You can also serve it with steamed broccoli or corn on the cob. For a crunchy option, try coleslaw or pickles. These sides help balance the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken. Yes, you can double the recipe. Just make sure your pan is large enough. You may need to cook it a bit longer to ensure the chicken and rice cook evenly. Keep an eye on the liquid level, adding a bit more broth if needed. To adjust the spice level, you can add hot sauce or cayenne pepper. If you like it milder, skip the paprika or use less. Consider using sweet BBQ sauce for a softer taste. You can also add jalapeños for a kick without overwhelming heat. This recipe for One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice blends savory chicken, fragrant rice, and vibrant veggies. You learned to season, sear, and combine flavors for a tasty meal. With tips on storage and variations, you can adapt this dish to fit your taste. Cook it your way, and enjoy each bite. Perfect for busy nights, this dish will impress your family and friends. Try it out, and savor the delicious results!

One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Savor the deliciousness of One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice with this easy recipe! This dish combines tender chicken thighs, flavorful rice, and vibrant veggies all cooked in one pan for a hassle-free meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's ready in just 40 minutes. Click to explore this mouthwatering recipe and bring a burst of honey BBQ flavor to your dinner table tonight! Enjoy a meal that’s as simple as it is satisfying.
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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

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet or shallow pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides to enhance the flavor.

    Sear the Chicken: Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs into the pan. Sear for approximately 5 minutes on each side or until they develop a golden-brown crust. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.

      Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Sauté the mixture for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bell pepper is slightly softened and fragrant.

        Add the Rice: Stir in the uncooked rice, ensuring each grain is coated in the oil and flavors from the sautéed vegetables. Cook the rice for 1-2 minutes until it becomes slightly translucent.

          Incorporate the Broth: Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet and increase the heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.

            Prepare the BBQ Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey until smooth and well combined. Once mixed, return the seared chicken thighs to the pan, placing them on top of the rice. Spoon the honey BBQ sauce mixture generously over the chicken.

              Simmer to Cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the dish simmer for about 20 minutes. This will allow the rice to cook and absorb most of the liquid while infusing the chicken with flavor.

                Add the Peas: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the frozen peas on top of the rice. Do not stir; simply cover the pan to allow the residual steam to gently cook the peas until warmed through.

                  Rest and Fluff: Once cooking time is complete, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This resting period helps to lock in flavors and moisture. After resting, use a fork to fluff the rice gently.

                    Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top for a fresh and vibrant finish. Serve warm, savoring the blend of honey BBQ flavors painting your chicken and rice.

                      Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken and rice directly from the skillet for a rustic feel, or portion onto individual plates. For an extra touch, garnish with a few additional slices of fresh red bell pepper and a drizzle of BBQ sauce.