Introduction

This One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice is a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner that combines smoky chipotle spice with sweet honey and tender chicken. Cooked all together in one dish, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that requires minimal cleanup and maximum taste.

One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

6 chicken thighs or breasts (skin on or off)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1–2 tablespoons chopped chipotle in adobo
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
4 cloves garlic, chopped
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 3/4 cups dry basmati rice
2 tablespoons salted butter
2 cups sliced or chopped zucchini
1/2 cup honey
2–3 tablespoons hot sauce
1–3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Sea salt, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chicken with olive oil, grated parmesan, chopped chipotle in adobo, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic, lemon zest, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly.
Step 3: Spread the dry basmati rice and chopped zucchini evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour 2 cups of water over the rice and zucchini, then dot with salted butter.
Step 4: Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces over the rice and zucchini. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 5: If the rice feels undercooked or hard after baking, add an additional 1/3 cup of water, cover loosely, and bake for another 10 minutes.
Step 6: While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Warm gently until combined and heated through, stirring occasionally.
Step 7: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and spoon half of the honey-chipotle sauce over the chicken and rice. Serve hot, topped with fresh basil if desired, and offer the remaining sauce on the side for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

Use skin-on chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results, or skinless breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
If you don’t have basmati rice, long-grain white rice can be substituted, but adjust water as needed for the variety.
Add other vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes to the rice for more color and nutrients.
Adjust the cayenne and hot sauce quantities to control the spiciness to your taste.
For a dairy-free version, omit parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan alternative.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the rice has dried out. The honey-chipotle sauce can also be heated separately and drizzled over reheated chicken for freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well. Just keep an eye on them during baking as they tend to cook faster and can dry out if overcooked.

Is it necessary to use chipotle in adobo for this recipe?

Chipotle in adobo adds a smoky, spicy depth to the dish, but if unavailable, you can substitute with smoked paprika and a little cayenne pepper for a similar flavor profile.