We have all been there before. You walk through the door after a long day and the last thing you want to do is stare at a pile of dishes or spend two hours hovering over a hot stove. You need something fast and you need something that everyone at the table will actually eat without complaining. Honestly it can feel like a total puzzle trying to find chicken recipes that are both simple and full of flavor. But that is exactly where this one pan wonder comes into play to save your evening.
This dish is the definition of a Dinner Yummy enough to please the pickiest eaters while staying within a tight budget. It combines juicy chicken with tender rice and a sweet and tangy sauce that ties everything together perfectly. Whether you are cooking for yourself or looking for Dinners For A Family Of 6 this recipe is easy to scale and even easier to clean up. Let us get into why this is about to become your new favorite Easy Supper Idea for those hectic nights when time is not on your side.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the biggest reasons you are going to fall in love with this meal is the lack of mess. You know what? Most chicken recipes require multiple pots and pans which just leads to more work after you finish eating. This recipe uses just one skillet. That means you spend less time scrubbing and more time relaxing on the couch. It is a total win for anyone who values their free time but still wants a home cooked meal.
Another thing to appreciate is how it fits into the category of Simple Meals With Rice. Rice is such a versatile and affordable staple. When you cook the rice directly in the pan with the chicken broth and BBQ sauce it soaks up every single bit of flavor. You are not just eating plain white rice on the side. You are eating rice that has been infused with honey and smoky spices. It makes for a very satisfying Dinner Over Rice experience that feels much more special than it actually is to prepare.
Lastly this is one of those Inexpensive Dinner Ideas Families can rely on week after week. The ingredients are basic pantry staples that you likely already have in your kitchen. You do not need any fancy equipment or rare spices to make this happen. It is straightforward and honest cooking that yields great results every single time. Plus it is one of those Dinner Recipes Easy On Stomach because it is not overly greasy or heavy. It is just good wholesome food that hits the spot.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 cup mixed vegetables frozen or fresh
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
When you are looking at Chicken And Rice Sauce Ideas the combination of BBQ sauce and honey is a classic for a reason. It provides that perfect balance of sweetness and tang. If you want to keep this as one of your go to Supper Ideas Rice based meals try to use a BBQ sauce that you already know and love. The chicken broth is also key here because it adds much more depth than just using plain water. It keeps the chicken moist and ensures the rice is savory.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1 Sear The Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a little bit of oil. Place the chicken in the pan and let it sear for about 5 minutes on each side. You are looking for a nice golden brown color. This step is important for chicken recipes because browning the meat adds a lot of flavor to the bottom of the pan which will eventually season the rice as well.
Step 2 Prepare The Sauce
While the chicken is browning grab a small bowl and whisk together your BBQ sauce and honey. This is the heart of your Chicken And Rice Sauce Ideas. Once the chicken is browned pour this mixture directly over the meat. Make sure each piece is well coated. The honey will start to caramelize slightly which smells absolutely amazing in the kitchen.
Step 3 Add Rice And Broth
Now it is time to turn this into one of those great Simple Meals With Rice. Pour the long grain rice into the skillet around the chicken. Add the chicken broth and the garlic powder onion powder and smoked paprika. Give everything a gentle stir to make sure the rice is submerged in the liquid. This ensures every grain of rice cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors.
Step 4 Simmer And Cover
Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Once it starts bubbling turn the heat down to low and put a lid on the skillet. This is the secret to a great Easy Supper Idea because you can now walk away for a bit. Let it cook for about 20 minutes. The rice will slowly absorb the broth and the BBQ honey mixture while the chicken finishes cooking through perfectly.
Step 5 Add The Vegetables
During the last 5 minutes of the cooking time lift the lid and scatter your mixed vegetables over the top. Do not worry about stirring them in yet. Just let them sit on top of the rice to steam. This keeps the vegetables bright and prevents them from getting mushy. It is a great way to sneak some nutrition into your Dinner Over Rice without any extra effort.
Step 6 Let It Rest
Once the 20 minutes are up and the rice is tender turn off the heat. Let the pan sit covered for another 5 minutes. This rest period allows the moisture to redistribute so the rice is fluffy rather than sticky. Finally fluff the rice with a fork and serve it up. You now have a Dinner Yummy and complete meal ready to go.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers you are in luck. This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It is a fantastic Easy Supper Idea for lunch the following afternoon. Just a quick zap in the microwave and you are good to go.
When reheating you might notice the rice has dried out just a little bit. Here is a simple tip. Add a tiny splash of water or chicken broth before you heat it up. This creates a bit of steam that will bring the rice back to life. Because this is one of those Dinner Recipes Easy On Stomach it makes for a gentle and comforting meal whenever you need it.
Tips
To make this one of the best chicken recipes in your rotation try using chicken thighs. Thighs are much more forgiving than breasts and stay juicy even if they cook a few minutes longer. If you do use chicken breasts just keep an eye on them so they do not dry out. Also make sure your skillet has a tight fitting lid. If the steam escapes the rice will not cook properly and you might end up with crunchy bits.
For those looking for Inexpensive Dinner Ideas Families can customize feel free to swap the vegetables. You can use peas carrots corn or even some chopped bell peppers. Whatever you have in the freezer will work just fine. If you like a bit of heat you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. It is all about making these Supper Ideas Rice based meals work for your specific tastes.
Conclusion
At the end of the day cooking should not be a source of stress. Finding reliable chicken recipes that the whole family loves is a huge win for any home cook. This one pan honey BBQ chicken and rice is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special. It is a Dinner Yummy and satisfying meal that keeps your budget in check and your kitchen clean.
Next time you are staring at the fridge wondering what to make remember this Easy Supper Idea. It is proof that you do not need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a great Dinner Over Rice. Give it a try this week and see how quickly it becomes a staple in your household. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite of this wonderful meal.
FAQ
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead
You can use brown rice but you will need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of liquid. Brown rice typically takes about 40 to 45 minutes to cook and requires more broth. If you make this change make sure to wait until the very end to add your vegetables so they do not overcook while the rice finishes.
How Do I Make This For A Large Group
If you are looking for Dinners For A Family Of 6 or more you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure you use a very large deep skillet or even a dutch oven. You want to ensure there is enough surface area for the chicken to brown and enough room for the rice to expand as it cooks in the broth.
Is This Recipe Budget Friendly
Yes this is definitely one of those Inexpensive Dinner Ideas Families love because it uses low cost staples like rice and frozen vegetables. Buying chicken in bulk or choosing thighs over breasts can also help keep the cost down. It is a great way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
One Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
This no-fuss one pan honey BBQ chicken and rice is the perfect weeknight dinner. It’s a tasty, family-friendly meal with juicy chicken, tender rice, and a sweet and tangy sauce, all with super easy cleanup.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Start by seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a little bit of oil. Place the chicken in the pan and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- While the chicken is browning, whisk together your BBQ sauce and honey in a small bowl. Pour this mixture directly over the meat, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Pour the long grain rice into the skillet around the chicken. Add the chicken broth and the garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Give everything a gentle stir to make sure the rice is submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Once it starts bubbling, turn the heat down to low and put a lid on the skillet. Let it cook for about 20 minutes.
- During the last 5 minutes of the cooking time, lift the lid and scatter your mixed vegetables over the top. Let them steam on top of the rice.
- Once the 20 minutes are up and the rice is tender, turn off the heat. Let the pan sit covered for another 5 minutes. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and serve.
Notes
For best results, use chicken thighs as they are more forgiving and stay juicy. If using chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them.
Ensure your skillet has a tight-fitting lid. If steam escapes, the rice may not cook properly.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to rehydrate the rice.
Nutrition
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