If you’re on the hunt for a cozy dinner that checks every box—bold flavors, comfort factor, all-in-one convenience—look no further than this One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice. Every forkful is a celebration of Tex-Mex spice, mellow honeyed sweetness, fluffy rice, and tender, juicy chicken. The best part? It’s all done in a single skillet so you’re left with minimal cleanup but maximum flavor. This is the kind of crowd-pleaser I love to toss together after a busy day, and it never fails to draw a chorus of happy sighs at the table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beauty of a great one-pan dinner: with just a handful of pantry favorites and fresh staples, you’ll create something downright irresistible. Each ingredient in One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice brings its own purpose, whether that’s punchy depth, a pop of color, or pure comfort.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose your favorite—thighs stay extra juicy, while breasts are lean and soak up the seasoning beautifully.
- Olive oil: This adds richness and helps all the spices cling to every piece of chicken.
- Chipotle chili powder: The star ingredient that brings smoky, earthy heat and signature Tex-Mex flair.
- Smoked paprika: Layer in even more smoky depth for that irresistible “just-off-the-grill” essence.
- Garlic powder: For subtle garlicky warmth tucked into every nibble.
- Salt: Makes the bright and spicy flavors truly shine.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- Honey: Perfectly tames the smoky chipotle, giving just the right amount of sweetness.
- Onion: Provides a soft, sweet base that melts into the rice.
- Red bell pepper: Adds pop of color, tender bite, and natural sweetness.
- Fresh garlic: A must for even more aromatic flavor as you sauté.
- Long-grain white rice: Keeps things fluffy and soaks up every drop of delicious broth.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with rich, savory flavor that takes the whole dish to the next level.
- Frozen corn: Sweet, juicy pops that brighten up every spoonful.
- Fresh cilantro: Lends a fresh, herbal lift right before serving.
- Lime juice: The zesty finish ties everything together and wakes up all the flavors.
How to Make One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Toss and Marinate the Chicken
Begin by tossing your chicken chunks with olive oil, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and honey in a big bowl. Take a moment to really coat each piece—this is where that unforgettable depth of flavor starts. If you have an extra 10–15 minutes, let it rest for even more flavor!
Step 2: Sear for Flavor
Heat a big skillet over medium-high until it’s nice and hot, then add the chicken. Sear for 3–4 minutes until the outside is golden and a bit crisp. (You’re not looking to cook it through just yet—the chicken will finish later with the rice.) Once you have some lovely color, scoop the chicken onto a plate and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
In that same glorious skillet, toss in your diced onion and red bell pepper. Let them sauté for a couple minutes until they’re softening and getting fragrant. Add the minced fresh garlic and let it sizzle for just another half minute, so the whole kitchen smells amazing.
Step 4: Build the Rice Base
Now, stir in your long-grain white rice, then pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in those frozen corn kernels. Give everything a gentle stir so the rice is evenly distributed and submerged. This will help it cook through perfectly fluffy later.
Step 5: Simmer Until Perfect
Nestle your seared chicken pieces right back into the skillet, pushing them down into the rice so they can release their juices as they finish cooking. Bring everything up to a gentle boil, then drop the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer gently for 18–20 minutes. When the rice is tender and all the broth is absorbed, you’re golden.
Step 6: Finish and Fluff
Turn off the heat, keep the lid on, and let your One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice sit for 5 more minutes. This little rest makes sure the grains are fluffy and gives any remaining liquid a chance to absorb. Right before serving, fluff the rice and stir in the fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime for irresistible freshness.
How to Serve One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice
Garnishes
For a true Tex-Mex vibe, crown your skillet with a sprinkle of extra cilantro and some lime wedges on the side. Fresh avocado slices, crumbled cotija cheese, or even a tangle of thinly sliced green onions make fantastic finishing touches—let everyone add their favorites right at the table.
Side Dishes
This dish really shines as a one-pan wonder, but if you want to add a little more, think classic sides like a simple green salad, creamy guacamole, or warm tortillas. I also love serving it alongside black beans or a cooling yogurt sauce to balance out the smoky chipotle heat.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking for a fun twist? Try spooning your One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice into warm tortillas for easy Tex-Mex wraps, or serve it inside roasted bell peppers for a stunning dinner party main. You can even top it with a fried egg for a spicy brunch bowl!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just pop everything into an airtight container once cooled and you’ll have a quick, flavorful lunch ready to go.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this recipe! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags (press out air before sealing). It will keep its flavor and texture for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice fluffy and moist. The microwave works too—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, fluffing with a fork in between.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely! Just add a bit more broth (about half a cup), and increase the simmer time to 35–40 minutes. Brown rice needs a little longer to cook, but it brings a hearty, nutty texture that works beautifully in One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice.
Is this recipe spicy?
The chipotle chili powder gives a moderate kick, balanced by the honey. You can easily dial down the heat by reducing the chipotle or leaving it out for younger eaters. For extra spice lovers, add a spoonful of adobo sauce or diced jalapeño!
What type Main Course
Both boneless, skinless thighs and breasts work well. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving, while breasts make the dish lighter and just as tasty. Choose whichever you prefer—they’ll both make One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice a hit.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for canned chickpeas or firm tofu, use vegetable broth, and keep all the other seasonings the same. You’ll still get all those smoky, honeyed layers in a plant-based version.
How do I meal prep this recipe?
Prepare the recipe as written, cool completely, then portion into containers for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. The flavors only deepen as it sits, making One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice a go-to for meal prep fans.
Final Thoughts
Give this easy, flavor-packed One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice a try the next time you want a dinner that feels both effortless and a little bit special. I think you’ll fall in love with the blend of smoky heat, honeyed goodness, and fresh bursts—all nestled in one happy skillet.
Print
One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice recipe is a delicious and flavorful Tex-Mex dish that is easy to prepare on a stovetop. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a spicy chipotle-honey marinade and cooked with rice, vegetables, and savory seasonings in one pan, creating a satisfying meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- juice of 1 lime
For the Chicken:
For the Rice:
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, coat the chicken with olive oil, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and honey. Sear in a skillet until lightly browned.
- Cook the Vegetables: Sauté onion and bell pepper until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Cook the Rice: Stir in rice, broth, and corn. Simmer with chicken until rice is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Let sit covered, then fluff rice. Stir in cilantro and lime juice before serving.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by modifying chipotle powder or adding adobo sauce for extra heat.
- This recipe can be made with brown rice; adjust broth and cooking time accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
