There’s something so satisfying about a meal that’s both delicious and easy to put together, and this one pan chipotle honey chicken and rice recipe hits all the right notes. I made this dish last weekend for a casual dinner, and it was an absolute crowd-pleaser.
The balance of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors melted perfectly into one comforting meal. Plus, I loved that the whole thing came together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. If you’ve been searching for your next go-to recipe, this might just be it.
You can also try this chicken meatballs with orzo and peppers recipe for enhance your taste.
Ingredients For
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful dish, with a few tips to make your cooking experience even better:
- 6 chicken thighs or breasts (skinless or skin-on)
Pro tip: Skinless chicken makes cleanup less greasy, but skin-on adds extra flavor and crispness. - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Why: Keeps the chicken moist while helping the spices cling to the meat. - 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Tip: Grate fresh parmesan for a more intense flavor. - 1-2 tablespoons chopped chipotle in adobo sauce
Note: Adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level. - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Why: Adds a smoky depth to the dish. - 1 teaspoon onion powder
Tip: Enhances the flavor without the need for raw onions. - 4 garlic cloves, chopped
Pro tip: Freshly chopped garlic gives a stronger, richer taste than pre-minced. - 2 teaspoons lemon zest
Why: Brightens up the smoky and spicy flavors. - 1 3/4 cups dry basmati rice
Pro tip: Rinse the rice to remove excess starch for non-sticky results. - 2 cups sliced zucchini
Why: Adds a fresh, juicy veggie that pairs perfectly with the chicken. - 2 tablespoons salted butter
Tip: Dot over the rice for a richer flavor.
Hot Honey Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup honey
Why: Balances the heat with sweetness. - 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
Note: Choose your favorite hot sauce to customize the intensity. - 1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
Why: Adds a fiery kick. - 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
Tip: This amplifies the smoky complexity. - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Why: Ensures consistency in flavor across components. - Sea salt, to taste
Note
This recipe serves about 6 people, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
Variations You Can Try
Love to customize recipes? Here are some tweaks you can make for dietary needs or personal preference:
- Dairy-Free: Skip the parmesan or substitute with nutritional yeast for a similar umami flavor.
- Low-Carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice; just reduce cooking time to avoid mushiness.
- Add Veggies: Swap zucchini for broccoli, bell peppers, or even asparagus for a different texture and flavor twist.
- Less Spicy: Reduce chipotle and cayenne for a milder dish; you can always serve hot sauce on the side.
If you’re looking for another indulgent option, check out this best blackened chicken alfredo recipe.
Cooking Time
Here’s all you’ll need time-wise to prepare this recipe:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Equipment You Need
To make this recipe, gather the following tools:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
Use: Perfect for evenly cooking the chicken, rice, and veggies in one go. - Mixing bowls
Use: For seasoning the chicken and preparing the honey sauce. - Saucepan
Use: To gently simmer the honey sauce to perfection. - Tongs or spatula
Use: Convenient for turning and handling the chicken.
How to Make One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice
This one-pan chipotle honey chicken and rice recipe is the perfect combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. It’s an easy and delicious meal that’s quick to prepare and requires minimal cleanup.
Season the Chicken
First, season your chicken pieces to pack them with flavor. Toss the chicken in a bowl with olive oil, parmesan cheese, chipotle in adobo, paprika, onion powder, garlic, lemon zest, and a dash of salt. Make sure each piece is coated thoroughly for an even flavor.
Prepare the Rice and Veggies
Grab your baking dish and add the dry basmati rice and zucchini slices. Spread them out evenly, then pour over two cups of water. Scatter small bits of butter on top of the rice. This will ensure it stays moist and flavorful during baking.
Bake It All Together
Arrange the seasoned chicken over the rice mixture so that the juices from the meat infuse the grains as it cooks. Slide it all into a preheated oven at 400°F and bake for 30-40 minutes. If the rice hasn’t fully cooked by the end, simply add 1/3 cup more water and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Simmer the Honey Sauce
While the oven handles the heavy lifting, it’s time to prepare the hot honey sauce. Combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, and a pinch of sea salt in a saucepan. Simmer the mixture until it thickens slightly, creating a sweet and spicy glaze.
Bring It All Together
When the chicken is done, immediately spoon half of the hot honey sauce over the meat. Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil for a herby finish. Serve the chicken pieces on top of fluffy rice, with the remaining sauce drizzled generously over everything.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
Here’s how I made this dish even more incredible:
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if basil isn’t available.
- Make sure to chop garlic finely to spread its flavor evenly over the chicken.
- Cover with foil if needed during baking to avoid drying out the chicken. I like removing the foil in the last 5 minutes for that crispy skin.
- For vegetarian versions, replace chicken with marinated tofu or paneer.
How to Serve One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice
Presentation can make all the difference! Serve each slice of chicken neatly over a bed of rice, and drizzle extra honey sauce on top. Garnish the plate with fresh herbs like basil or parsley, and add a lemon wedge on the side for that final burst of freshness. A loaf of crusty bread makes the perfect companion for soaking up the remaining sauce!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 687
- Protein: 43g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fat: 22g
How to Store the Dish
- Refrigerating
Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. - Freezing
Portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. - Reheating
Pop it into the microwave for a quick fix or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to keep the chicken crisp.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are just a few reasons this dish will become your favorite:
- Convenient one-pan method ensures minimal cleanup.
- Customizable for various diets so everyone can enjoy.
- Packed with bold flavors that balance sweetness, smokiness, and spice.
- Perfect for meal prep, reheating beautifully the next day.
- Great for entertaining guests with its vibrant and hearty presentation.
If you’re a fan of hearty meals, you can also enjoy similar dinner recipes for more inspiration.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of basmati?
Yes, but you’ll need to extend the cooking time and add slightly more water as brown rice takes longer to cook.
What’s the best substitute for zucchini?
Broccoli, bell peppers, or even sweet potatoes would work wonderfully.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Of course! Simply reduce the amount of chipotle, cayenne, and chili powder.
How do I keep the chicken moist?
Make sure it’s baked over rice with enough liquid in the pan to create steam.