One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup jasmine rice, well-rinsed to remove excess starch - 2 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium for better control) - 1/2 cup honey (preferably raw for a richer flavor) - 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite variety for personal flair) - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a nice depth) - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup mixed bell peppers, diced (try a colorful mix of red, yellow, and green) - 1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped for garnish - Salt, to taste When picking chicken, choose thighs for moistness. They stay juicy during cooking. For rice, use jasmine. Its fragrant aroma enhances the meal. Always rinse jasmine rice to remove excess starch. This helps it cook fluffy. Raw honey gives the best flavor. It adds depth to the dish. For BBQ sauce, pick one you love. This choice makes the flavors pop. If you want a gluten-free meal, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can swap chicken for firm tofu for a plant-based dish. Replace jasmine rice with brown rice if you prefer whole grains. Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth adds flavor for a vegetarian version. You can also mix in more veggies, like carrots or broccoli, for extra nutrients! 1. First, you need to heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil, like olive oil. 2. Next, season your chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. This adds great flavor. 3. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Sear each side for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. 4. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. This resting time is key. 5. In the same skillet, toss in the diced bell peppers. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to soften and brighten up. 6. Now, lower the heat to medium. Stir in the rinsed jasmine rice with the peppers. This helps the rice soak up the flavors. 7. In a bowl, whisk together honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and chicken broth until smooth. Pour this mix over the rice and peppers. 8. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, return the chicken to the skillet, nesting it partially in the rice. 9. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. This cooks the chicken and flavors the rice. 10. After cooking, remove the skillet from heat. Let it sit, covered, for a few minutes. This resting time blends the flavors nicely. 11. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and add salt if needed. Top with chopped green onions before serving. Searing chicken is vital. It gives your chicken a lovely crust and keeps it juicy. Use medium-high heat to achieve this. The oil should shimmer but not smoke. This way, your chicken cooks evenly and stays tender. When you sauté the bell peppers, stirring often is important. This helps them cook evenly and keeps their bright colors. You want them soft but not mushy. Adding rice to the pan with the peppers helps it absorb flavors. Rinsing the rice first removes excess starch. This keeps the rice fluffy instead of sticky. To achieve a perfect sear, don’t overcrowd the pan. If you add too much chicken, it won’t brown well. The chicken should have space to cook. Let the chicken sear without moving it for a few minutes. This forms a nice crust. Once you see brown edges, flip it over to sear the other side. Letting the chicken rest after cooking is crucial. This keeps the juices inside when you cut into it. Enjoy your meal! Make sure to check the Full Recipe for all the details. To boost the taste of your One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, follow these tips: - Season Well: Use salt and pepper generously on the chicken. - Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh bell peppers and green onions add great flavor. - Experiment with Sauces: Try different BBQ sauces to find your favorite. - Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can elevate the dish. - Let it Rest: Allow the dish to sit before serving. This helps flavors blend. Choosing the right pan makes cooking easier. Here are my top picks: - Cast Iron Skillet: This retains heat well and creates a nice crust on the chicken. - Non-Stick Pan: A good non-stick surface helps with easy cleanup. - Deep Sauté Pan: This provides enough room for rice and chicken to cook evenly. - Lid: Ensure your pan has a tight-fitting lid to trap steam and flavors. Avoid these errors for the best results: - Not Rinsing Rice: Always rinse jasmine rice to remove excess starch. - Overcrowding the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if your pan is too small. - Skipping the Resting Time: Letting the dish rest helps develop flavor. - Underestimating Liquid: Ensure you have enough broth for the rice to absorb. - Ignoring Temperature: Keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning. For the full recipe, check out the details above! {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. Replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Cut the tofu into cubes and press it to remove extra water. Marinate it in the honey BBQ sauce mix before cooking. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This keeps the flavors rich while making it plant-based. To boost nutrition, add more veggies. Try adding carrots, zucchini, or corn. Chop them small to cook evenly. You can mix them in with the bell peppers. This not only adds color but also more flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also brighten the dish. If you love heat, add some spice to your dish. You can stir in crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Mix these in with the rice and veggies before adding the broth. This will give your meal a nice kick. For a smoky flavor, consider adding chipotle sauce to the BBQ mix. To store leftovers, first let the dish cool down. Place the chicken and rice in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Refrigerate the container for up to three days. Be sure to keep the dish well-sealed to avoid drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Heat on low, stirring gently until warm. You can also use the microwave if you prefer. Just cover the dish to trap steam, which keeps it from drying. If you want to save the dish for later, freezing is a great option. Let the chicken and rice cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will stay good in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then reheat following the guidelines above. This way, you can enjoy your One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice anytime! I recommend using jasmine rice for this dish. Jasmine rice has a light, floral scent. It cooks well and pairs nicely with the honey BBQ flavor. Make sure to rinse it well to remove excess starch. This helps keep the rice fluffy and prevents it from becoming sticky. Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. Bone-in chicken adds more flavor as it cooks. Just keep in mind that it may take longer to cook. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This way, you will enjoy tender and juicy chicken in your meal. To make this dish gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a great gluten-free option that tastes similar. Also, check your BBQ sauce for gluten. Many brands offer gluten-free BBQ sauce. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste without gluten. This dish is hearty enough on its own, but you can add sides. A fresh salad with greens and a simple vinaigrette works well. You could also serve steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables for color and nutrition. These sides enhance the meal and add more flavor. Leftovers will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Store them in an airtight container to keep them tasty. When you're ready to eat, just reheat in the microwave or on the stove. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy your delicious meal again. This post shared all you need for One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. We covered quality ingredients, simple steps, and smart cooking tips. I also offered storage advice and answered common questions. Remember, cooking should be fun and easy. Use these tips to make tasty meals without stress. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Elevate your dinner time with this One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe! Featuring tender chicken thighs, flavorful jasmine rice, and a delicious honey BBQ sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. With just one pan, you can create a hearty meal bursting with flavor and color. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s easy to prepare and clean up! Click to explore this easy recipe and enjoy a delicious family meal tonight!

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Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup jasmine rice, well-rinsed to remove excess starch

2 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium for better control)

1/2 cup honey (preferably raw for a richer flavor)

1/3 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite variety for personal flair)

1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a nice depth)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup mixed bell peppers, diced (try a colorful mix of red, yellow, and green)

1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped for garnish

Salt, to taste

Instructions

In a large skillet or sauté pan, drizzle a small amount of oil (such as olive oil or canola) and heat over medium-high heat. Generously season the chicken thighs on both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to enhance the flavor.

When the oil is hot but not smoking, add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet. Sear them for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they develop a beautiful golden brown crust. Once browned, carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate, allowing it to rest while you prepare the rice.

In the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and their vibrant colors brighten.

Lower the heat to medium and stir in the rinsed jasmine rice, ensuring it’s well combined with the sautéed peppers. This step helps to infuse the rice with the pepper flavors.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and chicken broth until the mixture is uniform and smooth. Pour this delicious blend over the rice and peppers, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Once the mixture is simmering, return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the rice so they are partially submerged in the liquid.

Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and allow it to simmer gently for 20-25 minutes. This will ensure the rice absorbs most of the liquid and the chicken cooks through fully.

After the cooking time, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes. This resting time helps the flavors meld together. When ready, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and if necessary, adjust the seasoning with additional salt.

Finally, sprinkle the chopped green onions on top for a fresh, vibrant garnish before serving.

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

- Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve the dish directly from the skillet on a trivet, allowing guests to see the colorful rice and chicken. Accompany with lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness!