Looking for a quick meal that’s packed with flavor? Try my Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet! This one-pan recipe combines tender chicken, savory rice, and a touch of sweet barbecue sauce, making dinner easy and delicious. Whether you're pressed for time or just want a tasty meal, this skillet dish delivers. Stay with me to discover the simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions for making this family favorite!

$- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced - 1 cup uncooked brown rice - 1 ½ cups chicken broth - ½ cup honey - ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh) - 1 small red onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs adds great flavor. They stay juicy and tender. Brown rice gives a nutty taste and is healthier than white rice. Feel free to mix in some fresh veggies. Diced red bell pepper adds color and crunch. Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels. If you like a little kick, add some cayenne pepper. The honey and BBQ sauce mix brings sweetness and tang. You can pick any BBQ sauce you enjoy. You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer. They will cook faster, so watch the time. If you want a veggie dish, use tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken. Try using quinoa instead of brown rice for a different taste. If you have other veggies, toss them in too! Broccoli or zucchini work well. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can also add a nice touch. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large skillet and set it on medium heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil heats up, introduce one pound of diced, boneless chicken thighs. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and one teaspoon of smoked paprika. Cook the chicken for about five to seven minutes. Stir it often to get an even brown color. The chicken should be cooked through and no longer pink inside. Next, it's time to add some color and flavor. Toss in one small diced red onion and two cloves of minced garlic. Cook this mixture for another two to three minutes. You want the onion to turn soft and translucent. This step builds a great base for your dish. In a small bowl, mix together half a cup of honey and half a cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Pour this sweet and tangy mix over the chicken in the skillet. Sauté for an additional two minutes. This will let the flavors meld beautifully. Now, stir in one cup of uncooked brown rice, one cup of corn, and one and a half cups of chicken broth. Make sure the rice is well mixed and fully submerged in the broth. Bring the skillet to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 30 to 35 minutes. The rice will absorb the liquid and become tender. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. After cooking, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for five minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. For juicy and tasty chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They cook quickly and stay moist. Dice them into small pieces for even cooking. Heat your skillet over medium heat and add olive oil before adding chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika for extra flavor. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Stir often to avoid burning. Use brown rice for a wholesome meal. It takes longer to cook but adds fiber. Combine uncooked rice with chicken broth in the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat and cover. Let it cook for 30-35 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. Once done, let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing. To boost flavor, mix honey and BBQ sauce before adding it to the chicken. This adds a sweet and tangy taste. Don't forget to sauté red onion and garlic with the chicken. Their aroma adds depth to the dish. Feel free to add diced red bell peppers and corn for color and nutrients. For a fresh touch, garnish with parsley or green onions. Pro Tips Use High-Quality BBQ Sauce: Choosing a good quality BBQ sauce can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish. Look for sauces that are made with natural ingredients and have a flavor profile you enjoy. Let the Chicken Marinate: For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in the honey and BBQ sauce mixture for 30 minutes before cooking. Check Rice for Doneness: Since different brands of brown rice may require varying cooking times, check the rice a few minutes before the suggested time to ensure it doesn’t overcook. Garnish for Freshness: Always finish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or green onions. This not only adds color but also a burst of fresh flavor that complements the richness of the dish. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for other proteins. Try turkey, pork, or tofu. Each option brings its unique taste. If you choose turkey, use ground turkey for a quick cook. For pork, diced tenderloin works well. Tofu is great for a plant-based meal. Just make sure to press it first to remove excess water. Want to make it meat-free? Load up on veggies instead! Use a mix of mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also add spinach or kale for extra greens. Just sauté them with the garlic and onion. This adds flavor and makes the dish heartier. Remember, more veggies mean more color and nutrients! Brown rice is tasty, but you can try other grains. Quinoa adds protein and cooks quickly. Jasmine or basmati rice gives a fragrant touch. If you prefer white rice, it will cook faster. Adjust the liquid amounts based on the rice you use. Always check the cooking times for best results. To keep your Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet fresh, start by letting it cool down. Once cool, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you remember when you made it. When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, you can reheat them easily. Place the rice and chicken mix in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Stir often until it's hot all the way through. You can also use the microwave. Place the food in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. Check that it’s hot before serving. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Portion the Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label each bag with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then reheat as instructed above. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal anytime! Yes, you can use brown rice. Brown rice needs more time to cook. It adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. Just adjust the cooking time to about 30-35 minutes. Make sure you have enough broth to cook it fully. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check. The chicken should be golden brown on the outside. Cut into a piece; it should be white, not pink. Use your favorite BBQ sauce for great taste. Sweet sauces like honey BBQ work well. Spicy sauces can add a kick. Look for sauces that are thick and rich for the best flavor. This post covered the key steps for making a great Honey BBQ Chicken meal. We explored the ingredients, cooking methods, and tips for perfect rice. I shared ways to customize your dish, plus how to store and reheat leftovers. Remember, cooking is fun! With some practice, you can master this recipe. Don't hesitate to get creative and try new flavors. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in just 50 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything is cooked in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.
Flavorful Combination: The mix of honey and BBQ sauce creates a deliciously sweet and tangy glaze that complements the chicken beautifully.
Nutritious Ingredients: With brown rice, bell peppers, and corn, this dish is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients.

Ingredients

Complete List of Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
1 cup uncooked brown rice
1 ½ cups chicken broth
½ cup honey
½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
1 small red onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Ingredient Notes and Tips

Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs adds great flavor. They stay juicy and tender. Brown rice gives a nutty taste and is healthier than white rice. Feel free to mix in some fresh veggies. Diced red bell pepper adds color and crunch.

Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels. If you like a little kick, add some cayenne pepper. The honey and BBQ sauce mix brings sweetness and tang. You can pick any BBQ sauce you enjoy.

Substitutions and Additions

You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer. They will cook faster, so watch the time. If you want a veggie dish, use tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken.

Try using quinoa instead of brown rice for a different taste. If you have other veggies, toss them in too! Broccoli or zucchini work well. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can also add a nice touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

First, grab a large skillet and set it on medium heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil heats up, introduce one pound of diced, boneless chicken thighs. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and one teaspoon of smoked paprika. Cook the chicken for about five to seven minutes. Stir it often to get an even brown color. The chicken should be cooked through and no longer pink inside.

Sautéing Vegetables

Next, it's time to add some color and flavor. Toss in one small diced red onion and two cloves of minced garlic. Cook this mixture for another two to three minutes. You want the onion to turn soft and translucent. This step builds a great base for your dish.

Combining Sauces and Cooking Rice

In a small bowl, mix together half a cup of honey and half a cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Pour this sweet and tangy mix over the chicken in the skillet. Sauté for an additional two minutes. This will let the flavors meld beautifully. Now, stir in one cup of uncooked brown rice, one cup of corn, and one and a half cups of chicken broth. Make sure the rice is well mixed and fully submerged in the broth. Bring the skillet to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 30 to 35 minutes. The rice will absorb the liquid and become tender. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. After cooking, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for five minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken

For juicy and tasty chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They cook quickly and stay moist. Dice them into small pieces for even cooking. Heat your skillet over medium heat and add olive oil before adding chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika for extra flavor. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Stir often to avoid burning.

Rice Cooking Techniques

Use brown rice for a wholesome meal. It takes longer to cook but adds fiber. Combine uncooked rice with chicken broth in the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat and cover. Let it cook for 30-35 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. Once done, let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing.

Flavor Enhancements

To boost flavor, mix honey and BBQ sauce before adding it to the chicken. This adds a sweet and tangy taste. Don't forget to sauté red onion and garlic with the chicken. Their aroma adds depth to the dish. Feel free to add diced red bell peppers and corn for color and nutrients. For a fresh touch, garnish with parsley or green onions.

Pro Tips

Use High-Quality BBQ Sauce: Choosing a good quality BBQ sauce can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish. Look for sauces that are made with natural ingredients and have a flavor profile you enjoy.
Let the Chicken Marinate: For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in the honey and BBQ sauce mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
Check Rice for Doneness: Since different brands of brown rice may require varying cooking times, check the rice a few minutes before the suggested time to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
Garnish for Freshness: Always finish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or green onions. This not only adds color but also a burst of fresh flavor that complements the richness of the dish.

Variations

Substitute Proteins for Honey BBQ Chicken

You can switch the chicken for other proteins. Try turkey, pork, or tofu. Each option brings its unique taste. If you choose turkey, use ground turkey for a quick cook. For pork, diced tenderloin works well. Tofu is great for a plant-based meal. Just make sure to press it first to remove excess water.

Veggie-Loaded Alternatives

Want to make it meat-free? Load up on veggies instead! Use a mix of mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also add spinach or kale for extra greens. Just sauté them with the garlic and onion. This adds flavor and makes the dish heartier. Remember, more veggies mean more color and nutrients!

Different Rice Options

Brown rice is tasty, but you can try other grains. Quinoa adds protein and cooks quickly. Jasmine or basmati rice gives a fragrant touch. If you prefer white rice, it will cook faster. Adjust the liquid amounts based on the rice you use. Always check the cooking times for best results.

Storage Info

Best Practices for Storing Leftovers

To keep your Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet fresh, start by letting it cool down. Once cool, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you remember when you made it.

Reheating Instructions

When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, you can reheat them easily. Place the rice and chicken mix in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Stir often until it's hot all the way through. You can also use the microwave. Place the food in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. Check that it’s hot before serving.

Freezing Options for Meal Prep

If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Portion the Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label each bag with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then reheat as instructed above. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal anytime!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice. Brown rice needs more time to cook. It adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. Just adjust the cooking time to about 30-35 minutes. Make sure you have enough broth to cook it fully.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check. The chicken should be golden brown on the outside. Cut into a piece; it should be white, not pink.

What type of BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?

Use your favorite BBQ sauce for great taste. Sweet sauces like honey BBQ work well. Spicy sauces can add a kick. Look for sauces that are thick and rich for the best flavor.

This post covered the key steps for making a great Honey BBQ Chicken meal. We explored the ingredients, cooking methods, and tips for perfect rice. I shared ways to customize your dish, plus how to store and reheat leftovers.

Remember, cooking is fun! With some practice, you can master this recipe. Don't hesitate to get creative and try new flavors. Enjoy your cooking journe