Description
This One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make meal featuring perfectly seasoned chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, simmered alongside tender white rice infused with a tangy honey BBQ sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights, this dish combines savory spices, sweet honey, and smoky BBQ flavors all in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for optimal flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6–7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Rice: In the same skillet, add the long-grain white rice and stir it around to coat it with the remaining oil and seasoning left in the pan, helping to infuse the rice with extra flavor.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly, then bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook the Rice: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the rice cook for 15–20 minutes, or until it becomes tender and all the liquid is absorbed, forming a flavorful base for the chicken.
- Reheat the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, placing them on top of the cooked rice. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes on low heat to heat the chicken through and meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish the dish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve immediately for a comforting, all-in-one meal.
Notes
- For best results, use bone-in chicken breasts if you prefer juicier meat, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- You can substitute BBQ sauce with your preferred brand or homemade version for custom flavor intensity.
- If you want a spicier dish, consider adding chili powder or cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure the BBQ sauce used is certified gluten-free.
