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Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and ground cumin. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. The goal here is to sear the chicken to lock in the juices, not to cook it fully. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. This step will give your rice an aromatic base that complements the honey BBQ sauce perfectly.
Step 3: Add the Rice and Chicken Broth
Once the onion and garlic are fragrant, add the 1 cup of rice to the pan and stir for about a minute, letting the rice toast slightly in the residual oils and flavors. This adds a nice depth to the rice. Then, pour in the 1 ¾ cups of chicken broth (or water) and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Prepare the Honey BBQ Sauce
While the rice is simmering, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Stir to combine and adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your liking. If you like it sweeter, add more honey; for a tangier kick, a bit more vinegar will do the trick.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Once the broth is simmering, carefully return the chicken breasts to the skillet, placing them on top of the rice. Spoon some of the honey BBQ sauce over each chicken breast, making sure it’s nicely coated.
Step 6: Bake the Dish
Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). During the last 5 minutes of baking, remove the cover, allowing the chicken to get a little caramelized from the BBQ sauce.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once everything is cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, and top the dish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley. You can also sprinkle green onions on top for a burst of freshness or squeeze a bit of lime juice over the chicken for added zing.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetables: Add some veggies to the mix to make it a complete one-pan meal. Bell peppers, corn, or even spinach would work beautifully. You can stir them in with the rice or add them when you return the chicken to the pan.
- Brown Rice or Quinoa: For a healthier twist, swap the white rice for brown rice or quinoa. Just keep in mind that brown rice may require slightly more liquid and a longer cooking time.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the honey BBQ sauce or drizzle a bit of hot sauce on the chicken before baking.
- Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, and simply reheat when you’re ready to eat. The flavors get even better the next day.
Final Thoughts
One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is the ultimate weeknight dinner that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. The sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce paired with tender chicken and flavorful rice makes for a satisfying and complete meal. With just one pan to clean, you can enjoy a stress-free dinner without the fuss of multiple pots and pans.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or preparing a meal for yourself, this easy, flavorful dish is bound to become a favorite. Try it tonight, and you’ll see why this one-pan wonder will quickly make its way into your regular dinner rotation!
