If you’re craving a dish that is bursting with bold flavors yet comes together quickly and without fuss, then this One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken breasts glazed with a smoky, sweet chipotle honey sauce, nestled on a bed of fragrant, spiced rice that perfectly soaks up every bit of that luscious sauce. This recipe is comfort food elevated, combining smoky heat, a hint of lime brightness, and a touch of honeyed sweetness all in one easy-to-clean-up skillet. It’s a weeknight winner that never gets old and will charm your taste buds with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep it simple but pack a flavor punch with ingredients that are staples in many kitchens. Each element in this One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice Recipe plays a crucial role—from the smoky chipotle and sweet honey that create the sauce’s magic, to the cumin and smoked paprika that give the rice an irresistible depth.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for more juiciness or breasts if you prefer lean meat.
- Olive oil: Helps to brown the chicken and toast the rice for extra flavor.
- Honey: Adds a sweet balance to the smoky chipotle sauce.
- Chipotle in adobo sauce, minced: Provides a smoky, spicy kick—adjust the amount to your heat preference.
- Soy sauce: Brings a savory, umami depth to the sauce.
- Lime juice: Adds a bright and tangy contrast that lifts the whole dish.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Essential for a rich, aromatic base flavor.
- Ground cumin: Infuses the rice and sauce with a warm, earthy note.
- Smoked paprika: Enhances smoky flavors and adds vibrant color.
- Salt and pepper: To perfectly season all components.
- Long-grain white rice: Cooks fluffy and absorbs all the savory sauce beautifully.
- Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that moistens the rice and infuses it with rich flavor.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): A fresh, herbaceous garnish that adds a pop of color and brightness.
How to Make One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the perfect environment for the chicken and rice to cook evenly together, melding all those incredible flavors.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Chipotle Honey Sauce
In a small bowl, combine honey, minced chipotle in adobo, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This sauce is the heart of the dish — its smoky heat balanced by sweetness will coat the chicken beautifully.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Rub the chicken breasts or thighs with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika. This simple seasoning primes the chicken to develop a flavorful crust while baking.
Step 4: Toast the Rice in the Pan
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the rice along with garlic powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, stirring frequently to toast the rice lightly for 2 to 3 minutes. This step enhances the rice’s nuttiness and layers another dimension of flavor.
Step 5: Arrange Chicken and Pour Sauce
Push the rice to the sides of the skillet, place the chicken in the center, and generously pour the chipotle honey sauce all over the chicken to coat every piece. This not only flavors the meat but also infuses the rice around it as it bakes.
Step 6: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour the chicken broth around the chicken and rice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop, then cover the pan with a lid or foil to trap the steam for baking. This will ensure perfectly cooked rice and juicy chicken.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the rice is tender. This step melds all the lovely flavors together and ensures the chicken is juicy inside while the rice absorbs all the sauce.
Step 8: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let your dish rest for about 5 minutes—this helps the rice finish cooking gently and the juices settle. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for a fresh, herbaceous contrast and a splash of vibrant color before serving.
How to Serve One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a fantastic topper that adds a bright, herbal freshness. For extra flair, consider sprinkling lightly toasted pumpkin seeds or a few slices of avocado for creaminess. A squeeze of lime over the plate just before eating can also heighten all those vibrant flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a one-pan meal, but if you want to round it out, roasted or sautéed veggies like green beans, sautéed spinach, or a fresh mixed salad with tangy vinaigrette pair beautifully. They add crunch and balance to the richness of the chicken and rice.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken sliced over the rice on a large platter for a family-style presentation or plate it individually with a drizzle of extra chipotle honey sauce for an elegant touch. Adding colorful garnishes like diced red peppers or edible flowers can turn this comfort meal into a restaurant-worthy feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice Recipe into airtight containers. It will keep refrigerated for 3 to 4 days, making for an easy lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Properly stored, it can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist. Cover while reheating to trap steam and revive the tender texture of the chicken and rice.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just remember that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to add extra broth and increase baking time to ensure it becomes tender alongside the chicken.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Adjust the amount of chipotle in adobo to your heat preference, or add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes to amp up the spice level.
Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to stay juicier and more flavorful during baking, which can add an extra layer of richness to the dish.
What if I don’t have chipotle in adobo sauce?
You can substitute with smoked paprika and a little cayenne pepper for some smoky heat. While it won’t be exactly the same, it will still provide a tasty smoky spice to the dish.
Can this recipe be made on the stovetop instead of in the oven?
It can, though you’ll need a large, deep skillet with a lid. Cook the chicken and rice over low heat until the rice absorbs the liquid and the chicken is cooked through, but the oven method gives a nice even bake and melds flavor beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that balances smoky warmth, vibrant spice, and sweet honeyed goodness, the One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice Recipe is your new go-to. It’s a flavorful feast that’s surprisingly simple to make, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without the stress. I truly think once you try this recipe, it’ll become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation—just like it is in mine. So grab your skillet and get ready to fall in love with this irresistible one-pan wonder!
Print
One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Description
A delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts or thighs glazed in a smoky chipotle honey sauce, baked together with flavorful cumin-spiced rice. This recipe combines sweet, spicy, and savory elements for a comforting and satisfying dinner that requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo sauce, minced (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken and rice together.
- Prepare the Chicken Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, minced chipotle in adobo sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts or thighs with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance flavor.
- Prepare the Rice: In a large oven-safe skillet or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice along with garlic powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir and toast the rice for 2-3 minutes until lightly fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Push the toasted rice to the sides of the pan creating a space in the center. Place the seasoned chicken pieces in the middle. Pour the chipotle honey sauce evenly over the chicken to coat it thoroughly.
- Add the Broth: Pour the chicken broth around the chicken and rice mixture in the pan. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil to trap steam.
- Bake: Transfer the covered pan to the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the rice is fully cooked and tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired, then serve the flavorful chicken atop the fragrant rice. Enjoy your one-pan chipotle honey chicken and rice!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chipotle in adobo sauce to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat or breasts for leaner protein.
- Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet to cook both on the stovetop and in the oven safely.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Garnishing with fresh cilantro adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the smoky spices.
