Name: One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe – Easy Family Dinner
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup barbecue sauce; 1/4 cup honey; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional); 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

2 tablespoons chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season lightly with salt and black pepper.

Step 2:

Cook the chicken for about 5–7 minutes until browned on all sides. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage because it will continue cooking with the rice later. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3:

In the same pan, add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4:

Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir for about 1 minute to lightly toast the rice and coat it in the flavorful oil and aromatics.

Step 5:

Pour in the chicken broth, barbecue sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder. Stir well until fully combined.

Step 6:

Return the chicken to the skillet and stir gently to distribute it evenly throughout the rice mixture.

Step 7:

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid and simmer for 18–20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 8:

Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. If using cheese, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and cover for 2–3 minutes until melted.

Step 9:

Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions before serving warm.

Notes

Using a heavy skillet with a tight-fitting lid helps the rice cook evenly and prevents moisture from escaping. Avoid lifting the lid too often while simmering because the trapped steam is essential for tender rice.

If the rice still feels slightly firm after cooking, add a small splash of broth, cover again, and cook for a few additional minutes.