I love making a one-skillet recipe for dinner. It’s quick and tasty. My favorite is a mix of chicken, honey, and BBQ sauce all in one pan.
For me, a good meal is easy and fun to make. That’s why I’ve created a simple, quick recipe. It’s perfect for a easy dinner on a busy night.
Key Takeaways
- Simplified cooking with a one-skillet approach
- Quick and delicious meal perfect for weeknights
- Combines chicken, honey, and BBQ sauce for a flavorful dish
- Easy to prepare and cook, ideal for busy evenings
- A satisfying meal that’s both healthy and tasty
Why This Dish Became My Weeknight Dinner Hero
My weeknight dinners have changed thanks to a simple yet tasty one-skillet meal. The one-skillet honey BBQ chicken and rice is now a favorite. It’s a perfect blend of flavor and convenience,
making it great for weeknight meals.
This dish is special because it meets two needs. It satisfies our desire for a home-cooked meal and our need for a quick dinner.
The Perfect Balance of Flavor and Convenience
The one-skillet honey BBQ chicken and rice has a harmonious balance. It’s full of flavor but easy to make. It’s a dinner idea that’s perfect for busy evenings.
A Family-Friendly Meal That Pleases Everyone
This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a family experience. The honey BBQ flavor is loved by kids and adults alike. It’s a great dinner solution for families with different tastes.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients and Equipment
Let’s look at what you need to make this tasty honey BBQ chicken and rice dish. The right ingredients and tools are key for a great taste and texture in your meal.
Essential Ingredients for That Perfect Honey BBQ Flavor
The base of a great honey BBQ flavor is in the ingredients. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, high-quality honey, and a good BBQ sauce. Choose rice like jasmine or basmati that keeps its texture. Also, have aromatic spices like garlic and onion powder ready to boost the flavor.
Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in taste. For example, fresh garlic and onions give a richer flavor than dried or pre-minced ones.
Kitchen Tools for Successful One-Skillet Cooking
A good skillet is essential for one-skillet cooking. Use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet like cast-iron or stainless steel. It distributes heat well and handles high heat for searing chicken and cooking rice. Also, a reliable spatula and tongs make cooking easier and faster.
Preparing Your Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
Before we start cooking, let’s get our ingredients ready for the best flavor. Preparing well is
key to a tasty meal. It’s especially true for honey BBQ chicken & rice, where all flavors come together in one skillet.
Chicken Preparation Techniques
To make your chicken taste great, marinating is a must. I marinate the chicken in a mix of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes. This makes the chicken tender and juicy.
Creating the Perfect Honey BBQ Sauce From Scratch
Making your own honey BBQ sauce lets you control the sweetness and tanginess. I mix honey, apple cider vinegar, and a hint of smoked paprika to get a sweet and smoky sauce. This sauce glazes the chicken, giving it that special honey BBQ taste.
My Step-by-Step Guide to One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice
I love how easy one-skillet cooking is. My honey BBQ chicken & rice recipe is simple and delicious. It’s a great meal that’s easy to make and clean up.
1. Searing the Chicken to Golden Perfection
First, heat some oil in your skillet over medium-high. A large cast-iron skillet works best. Add the chicken and sear until it’s golden brown on both sides.
This step keeps the chicken juicy and tender. Take the chicken out and set it aside.
2. Building Layers of Flavor in the Same Pan
Lower the heat to medium and add more oil if needed. Sauté the onions and garlic until they’re soft and smell good. You can also add bell peppers or mushrooms for more flavor.
Cook them until they’re soft and lightly browned. This adds depth to your dish.
3. Adding the Rice and Cooking Liquid
Now, add the rice to the skillet and stir it with the onions and garlic. Let it toast for a minute or two. Then, pour in your cooking liquid.
This mix includes chicken broth, honey, BBQ sauce, and seasonings. Make sure the rice is well coated with the liquid.
4. Final Cooking Process and Finishing Touches
Put the chicken back in the skillet, nestled in the rice. Cover it and simmer on low heat until the rice is done and the chicken is tender. Turn off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
Before serving, you can add fresh herbs or paprika for extra flavor and looks.
By following these steps, you’ll make a tasty one-skillet honey BBQ chicken & rice for dinner. The cooking techniques are simple but effective. This recipe shows the best of skillet cooking.
My Top Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
Mastering one-skillet cooking needs some insider tips. To get your family-friendly recipe just right, focus on a few important things.
Choosing the Right Skillet and Heat Source
Start by picking the right skillet. Use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat. This is key for chicken recipes like ours, where searing is key. Also, adjust your cooking based on your stove type.
Rice Cooking Secrets for Perfect Texture
Cooking rice right can be hard, but it’s key for a great dish. Use the right liquid-to-rice ratio and don’t stir too much. This keeps the rice fluffy and just right.
Timing and Temperature Control Techniques
Timing and temperature control are crucial. Watch the heat and adjust it to avoid burning or undercooking. For our honey BBQ chicken and rice, cook the chicken to a safe temp and the rice tender.
Follow these tips for tasty chicken recipes. This family-friendly recipe is perfect for any meal, from weeknights to special occasions.
Delicious Variations to Keep Things Exciting
My one-skillet honey BBQ chicken and rice is great for meal prep or a quick dinner. It’s perfect for trying new things.
Want to spice things up? Add more veggies or try a healthier version. There are many ways to make it your own.
Spicy Honey BBQ Version for Heat Lovers
For a spicy twist, add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the sauce. Sprinkle red pepper flakes on the chicken for more heat.
Vegetable Add-In Options for Extra Nutrition
Adding colorful veggies boosts nutrition and flavor. Try bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Add them towards the end to keep them crunchy.
Making It Healthier Without Sacrificing Flavor
For a healthier dish, use low-sodium chicken broth and less honey. Brown rice adds more fiber, making it better for you.
Try these variations to keep your meals exciting. They let you tailor your one-skillet dish to your taste.
From Table to Tupperware: Enjoying Your One-Skillet Creation
My easy one-skillet honey BBQ chicken & rice is great for meal prep and leftovers. It’s perfect for looking forward to the next day’s meal. Knowing a tasty dish is waiting in the fridge is exciting.
To store leftovers, I put the cooled meal in an airtight container. Then, I refrigerate it for up to three days. Reheating it in the microwave or on the stovetop makes it fresh again.
I also like to get creative with leftovers. For instance, I might add leftover chicken to a salad or on top of a baked potato. This dish’s versatility makes it a favorite in my kitchen. It will likely become one in yours too.
FAQ
What type of chicken is best for one-skillet honey BBQ chicken and rice?
Can I make this recipe with different types of rice?
How do I store leftovers of one-skillet honey BBQ chicken and rice?
Can I make this recipe in advance?
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making one-skillet honey BBQ chicken and rice?
Can I customize the level of spiciness in the honey BBQ sauce?
Is one-skillet honey BBQ chicken and rice a healthy meal option?
One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice
Ingredients
- → Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice rinsed & drained
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce mesquite flavor recommended for smokiness
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 cup mixed vegetables peas, carrots, corn, bell peppers – fresh or frozen
- 2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil divided
- → Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper or to taste
- → Optional Garnishes
- Sliced green onions
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra BBQ sauce drizzle
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken & Rice
- Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces.
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain.
- Sear the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with half the spice mix, then sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet). Transfer to a plate.
- Toast the Rice
- In the same pan, add remaining oil and rice. Stir in the rest of the seasoning mix.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until the rice turns slightly translucent and fragrant.
- Simmer Everything Together
- Pour in chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Return chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add Vegetables & Finish Cooking
- Scatter mixed vegetables over the rice, cover again, and cook for 5 more minutes (or until rice is tender and chicken reaches 165°F).
- Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Garnish & Serve
- Top with green onions, parsley, and an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce if desired.
