Name: One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped; 2 tbsp honey; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 0.5 tsp ground cumin; 0.75 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheese; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped

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I love making this One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice when I want a bold, comforting meal with just the right mix of sweet and smoky heat. Everything cooks together in one pan, and the flavors soak into the rice beautifully, making every bite satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy this recipe because it’s simple, filling, and packed with flavor. The chipotle adds a smoky kick, while the honey balances it with a touch of sweetness. I also like that it’s a complete meal made in one pan, which keeps cleanup easy and stress-free. One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
olive oil
onion, diced
garlic cloves, minced
long-grain white rice
chicken broth
chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
honey
smoked paprika
cumin
salt
black pepper
shredded cheese
fresh cilantro or green onions

Directions

I start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. I season the chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin, then sear it on both sides until lightly browned. I remove the chicken and set it aside.

In the same pan, I sauté the onion until softened, then add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. I stir in the rice, letting it toast slightly and absorb the flavors left in the pan.

I mix the chicken broth with finely chopped chipotle peppers and honey, then pour it into the pan. I place the chicken back on top, cover the pan, and let everything simmer until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

I finish by sprinkling shredded cheese over the top, covering the pan again until melted, and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Servings and Timing

I usually get about 4 servings from this recipe.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

I sometimes use brown rice, adding extra broth and cooking time. When I want more heat, I add extra chipotle or a splash of adobo sauce. I also like adding bell peppers, corn, or black beans to make the dish even heartier.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a small splash of broth or water and warm it gently so the rice stays moist. One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice

FAQs

Is this dish very spicy?

I find it mildly spicy, but I can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less chipotle.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

I can use either, but I keep an eye on chicken breasts so they don’t dry out.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I can make it ahead and reheat it, and the flavors deepen nicely overnight.

What can I use instead of chipotle peppers?

I sometimes use chipotle powder or smoked paprika for a milder smoky flavor.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

I often add peppers, peas, or zucchini to make it more colorful and filling.

Conclusion

I enjoy this One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice because it’s smoky, slightly sweet, and incredibly comforting. It’s an easy one-pan meal I like making when I want big flavor with minimal cleanup.

One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice

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A bold and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a smoky-sweet chipotle honey sauce that infuses every bite with rich flavor and minimal cleanup.

Author: Lizaa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: One-Pan / Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp smoked paprika
0.5 tsp ground cumin
0.75 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper
1 cup shredded cheese
2 tbsp fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat.
Season chicken with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin.
Sear chicken on both sides until lightly browned, then remove and set aside.
In the same pan, sauté the diced onion until softened.
Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Stir in rice and cook for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast and absorb flavors.
In a bowl, mix chicken broth, chopped chipotle peppers, and honey.
Pour the mixture into the pan and stir gently.
Place chicken back on top, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover again, and cook until melted.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions before serving.