One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice

Craving a dish that’s simple, packed with flavor, and easy to clean up after? This One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Imagine juicy chicken marinated in a smoky-sweet chipotle honey glaze, all cooked in one pan with perfectly seasoned rice that absorbs every drop of that flavorful sauce. It’s hearty, comforting, and full of bold flavors, with minimal effort. Trust me, this dish will quickly become your go-to when you need something that’s delicious AND easy.

Why You’ll Love One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice

This dish hits the mark on so many levels—flavor, convenience, and versatility. Here’s why you’ll be hooked:

• One-Pan Wonder: The best part about this recipe? It’s all cooked in one pan. No messy kitchen, no multiple pots and pans—just one easy cleanup and a flavorful meal.
• Perfectly Balanced: The chipotle honey sauce brings the right amount of heat, sweetness, and smokiness, while the rice cooks up tender and absorbs all those delicious flavors.
• Minimal Prep: The marinade is quick and easy to make. Simply toss the chicken in the sauce and let it soak in those smoky, sweet flavors while the rice cooks. It’s that simple!
• Comfort Food with a Kick: The combination of sweet honey and smoky chipotle creates a sauce that feels comforting and bold at the same time. You’ll get a little bit of spice, a little bit of sweetness—just the right balance.
• Customizable: Want to make it spicier? Add more chipotle. Not a fan of rice? Try quinoa or couscous instead. This recipe is flexible and can easily be adjusted to your preferences.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this flavorful one-pan meal:

Chicken Breasts or Thighs

The chicken is the star of the dish. Whether you choose chicken breasts or thighs (both work well!), they soak up all the smoky chipotle and honey goodness while staying juicy and tender.

Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce

This is where the magic happens. The chipotle peppers bring smoky heat, while the adobo sauce adds a tangy depth of flavor. It’s the key ingredient that transforms this dish into something unforgettable.

Honey

Honey adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the smoky chipotle peppers. It makes the sauce sticky and rich, helping it coat the chicken beautifully.

Olive Oil

For cooking the chicken and starting the rice, a little olive oil does the trick. It also helps the chicken brown nicely and adds some richness to the dish.

Garlic

Fresh garlic adds a fragrant, savory depth to the sauce. It’s the perfect complement to the chipotle and honey.

Rice

Long-grain white rice is the base of this dish. As it cooks, it absorbs all the flavorful sauce and juices from the chicken. You can use brown rice if you prefer a heartier version.

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth helps cook the rice and adds extra flavor. You can use water if you don’t have broth on hand, but the broth makes everything more flavorful.

Lime Juice

A squeeze of fresh lime at the end of the dish brightens up all the flavors and adds a zesty, fresh finish.

Fresh Cilantro (Optional)

For an extra pop of freshness, sprinkle some chopped cilantro over the dish right before serving. It adds color and a refreshing herbiness to balance out the richness.

Instructions

Let’s dive into making this easy, flavorful meal:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a small bowl, combine the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (chopped), honey, olive oil, and minced garlic. Stir until well mixed. Coat the chicken breasts or thighs in the marinade, and let them sit for at least 15-20 minutes (or up to 1 hour) to soak up all those delicious flavors.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet or pan, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear it for about 4-5 minutes per side until it’s golden brown. You don’t need to cook it all the way through yet—just get a nice crust on the chicken. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

In the same pan, add the rice, and cook it for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to lightly toast it in the leftover oil and chicken juices. This helps enhance the flavor of the rice.

Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring it to a simmer. Once simmering, nestle the chicken back into the pan on top of the rice. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 20-25 minutes (or until the rice is fully cooked and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F). The rice will absorb all the delicious sauce, and the chicken will finish cooking.

Step 5: Finish with Lime and Cilantro

Once the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender, squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish and sprinkle with chopped cilantro (if using). This will add a bright, zesty flavor that really ties everything together.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the chicken and rice straight from the pan, garnished with more cilantro if you like. Enjoy every juicy, smoky, sweet bite!

How to Serve One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice

This dish is perfect on its own, but here are a few side ideas to round out your meal:

• Sautéed Vegetables: Try some sautéed bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for a colorful, healthy side that complements the flavors of the chicken and rice.
• Guacamole and Chips: Add a side of guacamole and crunchy tortilla chips to give this meal a fun Mexican twist.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or roasted corn on the cob with a sprinkle of chili powder and lime would pair perfectly with the smoky flavors of the dish.

Additional Tips

• Use Bone-In Chicken: For extra flavor, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly since bone-in chicken will take a little longer to cook through.
• Make it Spicy: Want more heat? Add an extra chipotle pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for some extra spice.
• Substitute the Rice: You can easily swap out the rice for quinoa or couscous if you want something a little different. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on your grain of choice.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A1: Yes! Brown rice will work here, but it will take a bit longer to cook—around 40-45 minutes. Make sure to check the rice and add a little more broth if needed.

Q2: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A2: Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this dish. They’re juicy, tender, and full of flavor, so they’ll pair wonderfully with the chipotle honey sauce.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: This dish is best made fresh, but you can cook the chicken and rice separately ahead of time and then reheat them together in a skillet when you’re ready to serve.

Q4: Can I freeze leftovers?
A4: Yes, this dish freezes well. Let the chicken and rice cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Q5: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A5: Absolutely! You can add veggies like bell peppers, corn, or even spinach to the pan while the chicken cooks for added color and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you add extra ingredients.

Conclusion

This One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice is the ultimate weeknight dinner—easy to make, full of flavor, and all cooked in one pan. The chipotle honey sauce brings a perfect balance of sweetness and heat, while the rice soaks up every bit of that smoky goodness. It’s a meal that’s comforting, satisfying, and full of bold flavors, all with minimal effort. So grab your pan, get cooking, and enjoy a meal that’ll leave everyone at the table asking for seconds!

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