Save Last Tuesday, my neighbor knocked on the door holding three bell peppers from her garden and a jar of homemade BBQ sauce. I had chicken thawing and rice in the pantry, so I tossed everything into one pan. The honey I drizzled in at the last second turned the whole dish into something my kids asked for again the next night. Sometimes the best recipes happen because you dont want to dirty every pot in the kitchen.
I made this on a night when my youngest had soccer practice in thirty minutes and my oldest was complaining about being starving. The smell of smoked paprika and honey filled the kitchen so fast that both kids hovered by the stove asking when it would be ready. We ate straight from the pan with forks, still in our socks, and I realized that sometimes dinner doesnt need to be fancy to feel like a win.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (1 lb): Thighs stay juicier during the simmer, but breasts work if you dont overcook them; cut them small so they sear faster.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika: This spice blend gives the chicken a campfire edge that plays nicely with sweet BBQ sauce.
- BBQ sauce (½ cup): Use your favorite brand or whatever is open in the fridge; I like the kind with a little molasses.
- Honey (¼ cup): It thins out the BBQ sauce and adds a gloss that makes the chicken look like it took way more effort.
- Long grain rice (1 cup, rinsed): Rinsing keeps the grains separate instead of gummy; jasmine or basmati both work beautifully here.
- Chicken broth (2 cups, low sodium): This seasons the rice as it cooks and keeps everything from tasting flat.
- Mixed vegetables (1 cup): Bell peppers, peas, carrots, corn, or whatever needs to be used up; frozen is completely fine and saves chopping time.
Instructions
- Season the chicken:
- Toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a bowl or right on a cutting board. Make sure every piece gets coated so the flavor goes all the way through.
- Sear the chicken:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil, then add the chicken in a single layer. Let it sit undisturbed for four to five minutes per side until you see golden brown edges; this builds flavor you cant get any other way.
- Add the sauce:
- Whisk the BBQ sauce and honey together in a small bowl, then pour it over the chicken and stir everything around. The sauce will bubble and start to stick to the pan, which is exactly what you want.
- Stir in rice and broth:
- Add the rinsed rice and chicken broth, scraping up any caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir gently so the rice settles in an even layer.
- Simmer covered:
- Bring everything to a low simmer, then cover the pan with a tight lid and drop the heat to low. Let it cook undisturbed for twenty minutes so the rice absorbs the broth without drying out.
- Add vegetables:
- After twenty minutes, scatter your vegetables on top without stirring them in. Cover again and let them steam for the last five minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is gone.
- Rest and fluff:
- Turn off the heat and let the pan sit covered for five more minutes. Then fluff everything gently with a fork, mixing the vegetables and chicken into the rice.
Save The first time I served this, my husband scraped the pan clean and asked if there was more rice hiding somewhere. My daughter, who usually picks out anything green, ate three servings without complaint. It became the dinner I make when I need everyone to stop asking questions and just eat happily.
Making It Your Own
If you want a little heat, whisk in a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne with the honey BBQ mixture. For a tangy twist, add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the sauce before pouring it over the chicken. You can swap the rice for brown rice, but youll need to add another half cup of broth and simmer for ten to fifteen minutes longer. I have also used quinoa in a pinch, which cooks faster and soaks up the sauce just as well.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and somehow taste even better the next day when the flavors have had time to settle. Reheat gently in a covered skillet with a tablespoon of water or broth to loosen the rice, or microwave in thirty second intervals, stirring in between. If the rice dries out, a drizzle of chicken broth or even a little butter brings it back to life.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the sweetness of the glaze. I like to squeeze a wedge of lime over the top right before serving for a bright pop that cuts through the richness. If youre feeding a crowd, double the recipe and use a wide, deep skillet or even a large Dutch oven.
- Serve with cornbread or garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
- Top with chopped green onions or cilantro for color and freshness.
- Pair with iced tea or lemonade for a casual, backyard meal vibe.
Save This recipe taught me that weeknight dinners dont have to choose between easy and delicious. Keep it on your shortlist for nights when you need something reliable, comforting, and gone before you know it.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice works well but requires longer cooking time. Increase the simmering time by 10-15 minutes and add extra chicken broth as needed to prevent the rice from drying out.
- → What vegetables work best in this dish?
Bell peppers, peas, carrots, corn, zucchini, and broccoli all pair beautifully. Feel free to use fresh or frozen vegetables based on what you have available.
- → How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the BBQ sauce mixture. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce variety or add a few dashes of hot sauce.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
This dish tastes best when served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients in advance. Cut the chicken and measure out everything up to 24 hours before cooking.
- → What type of BBQ sauce should I use?
Any favorite BBQ sauce works wonderfully. For a sweeter profile, choose a honey or molasses-based sauce. For more tang, opt for a vinegar-style Carolina BBQ sauce.