Description

This Easy One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a simple and delicious dinner that combines tender chicken breasts, savory BBQ sauce, and perfectly cooked rice—all in one skillet! The dish is flavored with a blend of garlic, onion, and smoked paprika, then sweetened with honey for a tasty kick. Optional melted cheddar cheese adds a creamy finish, while green onions provide a fresh touch. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight meal!

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite)
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

1️⃣ Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2️⃣ Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will enhance the flavor of the sauce.

3️⃣ Add the rice: Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir it into the sauce mixture, ensuring the rice is evenly coated.

4️⃣ Place chicken on rice: Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the rice is tender.

5️⃣ Optional cheese topping: If you’re using cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the chicken during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Cover again to allow the cheese to melt.

6️⃣ Rest and serve: Once done, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and allows the rice to absorb any remaining sauce.

7️⃣ Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle the dish with chopped green onions for a fresh burst of flavor and color.

Notes

The dish is highly customizable: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the BBQ sauce and honey to your taste.
If you don’t have long-grain white rice, you can substitute with jasmine rice for a more aromatic flavor.
For a lower-calorie option, omit the cheese or use a lighter cheese alternative.

You can add some vegetables like bell peppers or corn to the rice for more texture and flavor.

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 30 min