Description
A flavorful and easy one-pan chicken and rice dish that combines tender chicken thighs with perfectly cooked rice and vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (thighs preferred for juicier results)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed once before using)
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 0 cup BBQ sauce (smoky variety preferred, low-sodium optional)
- 0 cup honey (or substitute maple syrup or agave nectar)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0 tsp smoked paprika
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh; peas, corn, diced bell pepper all work well)
- 1 tbsp oil (neutral oil for searing)
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry with a paper towel. Season all over with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil. Once shimmering, sear chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Chicken does not need to be cooked through yet. Remove and set aside.
- In the same unwashed skillet, add dry rice and stir over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes until pale golden and nutty-smelling.
- Pour in chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Stir well, scraping up all browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Return seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice and sauce. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
- Scatter mixed vegetables on top of the chicken and rice without stirring. Replace lid and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Check chicken with an instant-read thermometer. It should read 165 degrees F. Rice should be tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
- Remove from heat. Let rest uncovered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice gently with a fork.
- Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce drizzle and fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
- This dish is versatile; feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
- Thighs are recommended for juiciness, but breasts can also be used.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg