– 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 cup long-grain white rice
– 3 cups chicken broth
– ½ cup honey
– ½ cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium yellow onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
– 1 cup frozen peas (or any vegetable of choice)
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Creating your One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is easy! Here’s how to make it step-by-step:
1. Preheat the Pan: In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Sear the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Place the chicken in the hot pan and sear for 5–7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same pan, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Combine Rice and Liquid: Stir in the rice and mix well with the onion and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a light boil.
5. Add the Chicken: Return the seared chicken thighs to the pan. Drizzle honey and BBQ sauce over the chicken pieces.
6. Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low. Allow it to simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the rice has absorbed the broth and the chicken is cooked through.
7. Incorporate Veggies: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas (or other vegetables). Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
8. Rest and Serve: Once done, remove from heat and let the pan sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
This straightforward guide helps you make an incredible meal that your whole family will love.