If you’re dreaming of a dinner that brings bold, smoky depth, sweet honey glaze, and the magic of easy clean-up, let me introduce you to One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice. This vibrant meal is bursting with Tex-Mex flair and strikes the perfect balance of heat and sweet. Tender chicken, a fluffy bed of spiced rice, and a savory-sweet sauce—this recipe is my not-so-secret weapon for impressive weeknight dinners that keep everyone at the table coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice is in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Every element brings something wonderful to the dish—think juicy protein, fluffy rice, a bold sauce, and colorful fresh touches for a meal that feels as special as it tastes.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Opt for thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for a leaner profile—both soak up that chipotle-honey flavor perfectly.
- Olive oil: Just a splash helps sear the chicken, locking in moisture and building flavor right from the start.
- Long-grain white rice: Picks up all the pan’s bold juices, becoming fluffy and intensely flavorful.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with a rich, savory depth you can’t get from water alone.
- Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds a juicy kick and a hint of tang, while the chilies keep things lively.
- Honey: Tames the smoky spice and brings out gorgeous caramelization on the chicken.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo: The real flavor powerhouse—smoky, spicy, and utterly addictive, so add more or less to suit your heat tolerance.
- Adobo sauce: Packs every bite with that signature deep, smoky-sweet chipotle flavor.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin: Layer together to create an earthy, aromatic spice blend that marries beautifully with the honey and chipotle.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing all those gorgeous flavors into sharp focus.
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional): For an irresistible melty finish—just before serving, let it work its magic on top.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: A bright, herbal pop for the perfect final flourish.
How to Make One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a roomy, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Give your chicken thighs or breasts a flavorful spice rub, generously coating them on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Pop the chicken into the hot oil and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they turn a beautiful golden color. No need to cook them through yet—they’ll finish up in the rice and stay ultra-tender.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
With the chicken briefly set aside, work right in the same pan to make cleanup a breeze. Add your uncooked long-grain rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, honey, minced chipotle peppers, and that lovely adobo sauce. Stir it all together so every grain of rice is bathed in rich, smoky-sweet goodness. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and breathe in those incredible aromas wafting up!
Step 3: Nestle and Simmer
Nestle the seared chicken back into the bed of spiced rice and sauce. Turn the heat to low, cover the pan snugly, and let everything simmer for about 20 to 22 minutes. The rice will fluff up and soak in all those big flavors, while the chicken becomes fork-tender and juicy. If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle it over the top in the last few minutes, cover, and give it a chance to get gooey and melty—totally irresistible.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
When the timer dings, check the rice and chicken for doneness (the rice should be tender, the chicken perfectly cooked through) and unlock the lid for your show-stopping moment. Scatter more fresh chopped cilantro over the top for a blast of color and freshness. Your One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice is ready to serve, hot and fragrant right out of the skillet.
How to Serve One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice
Garnishes
A handful of chopped cilantro isn’t just for looks—it lifts the whole dish with its cool, lively scent. For extra flair, consider a squeeze of fresh lime, thinly sliced green onions, or even a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt to balance the heat. A sprinkle of extra cheese, if you’re feeling indulgent, never hurt anyone!
Side Dishes
Honestly, One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice is a star all on its own, but if you’re looking for a full spread, try it with a simple avocado salad, charred corn, or crisp tortilla chips. For a cool contrast, shredded iceberg lettuce tossed with lime juice makes a lovely pairing. Don’t forget a cold, fizzy drink to round things out!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve straight from the skillet for ultimate comfort-food vibes, or plate up the chicken and rice in shallow wide bowls for a restaurant-worthy touch. Try piling it all into warm tortillas for irresistible burritos, or spooning leftovers onto crisp tostadas for a fun Tex-Mex twist. The possibilities with One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice are nearly endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of my favorite perks of this recipe is how well it holds up for leftovers. Simply let the dish cool to room temperature, then store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors mellow and deepen overnight, meaning tomorrow’s lunch could be even better than tonight’s dinner.
Freezing
One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice freezes beautifully! Pack portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. When frozen promptly, it will keep its taste and texture for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best consistency.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent dryness and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Covering the dish as it warms helps lock in moisture and keeps both the chicken and rice tender. If you’ve added cheese, a quick final zap under the broiler can refresh that melty topping.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nutty bite and extra fiber. Just remember to increase the chicken broth to 2 cups and extend your simmering time to 35–40 minutes so the brown rice cooks through thoroughly.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a moderate kick thanks to the chipotle peppers, but you’re in charge of the heat. Use just one pepper for mild spice, add two or more for serious heat, or leave out the adobo altogether if you prefer things tamer. The honey also does a fantastic job of balancing the spice.
Can I prep One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice ahead of time?
Definitely! All the spices can be mixed in advance and the chicken marinated overnight in the rub for extra flavor. You can even chop the chipotle peppers and measure the ingredients earlier in the day to make dinnertime a breeze.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack both melt beautifully and complement the sweet-spicy sauce, but you can also try pepper Jack for an extra kick or a blend of Mexican cheeses for even more flavor dimension.
How do I keep the rice from sticking or getting mushy?
Make sure to simmer, not boil, once the chicken and rice are in the pan—keep the heat low and resist the urge to stir as it cooks. This lets each grain absorb the broth evenly. If the rice finishes before all the liquid is absorbed, just let it rest with the lid on for a few extra minutes; it will steam itself perfect.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dinner that’s as satisfying to cook as it is to eat, grab your pan and surrender to the flavors of One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice. It’s hearty, vibrant, impossibly delicious, and certain to become a fast favorite. Give it a try—and get ready for some very happy faces around your table!
Print
One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice recipe is a flavorful and easy dish that combines tender chicken with smoky chipotle peppers, sweet honey, and savory spices, all cooked together with rice in one pan for a convenient meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced)
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the can)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with spices and sear for 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Rice: In the same pan, combine rice, broth, tomatoes, honey, chipotle peppers, and adobo sauce. Nestle the chicken back in, cover, and simmer for 20-22 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Add cheese if desired, garnish with cilantro, and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust chipotle peppers for desired spice level.
- Can use brown rice with adjusted cooking time and broth.
- Great for meal prep and reheating.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *