If you’ve been on the hunt for a comforting, flavorful, and fuss-free dinner, then you absolutely must try the One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice Recipe. This dish marries tender, smoky chipotle-spiced chicken with fluffy basmati rice infused with garlic, lemon zest, and parmesan, all baked together with vibrant zucchini for an effortless yet impressive meal. The sweet honey and spicy hot sauce glaze adds a delightful kick that transforms humble ingredients into a showstopper perfect for family dinners or friendly gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple but perfectly balanced ingredients. Each plays a crucial role — from the rich olive oil that keeps the chicken juicy to the playful heat of chipotle and cayenne that make every bite exciting. Let’s look at what you need to bring this dish to life:
- 6 chicken thighs or breasts: Choose skin-on for extra crispiness or skinless for a leaner version; either works beautifully here.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps the spices coat the chicken evenly.
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese: Boosts umami depth and adds a subtle creaminess.
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped chipotle in adobo: Brings smoky, spicy warmth that’s the star of the show.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Enhances smokiness and earthy flavor notes.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a sweet and savory background.
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped: Provides aromatic complexity and savory bite.
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest: Brightens the dish with a fresh, citrusy lift.
- 1 3/4 cups dry basmati rice: Perfectly fluffy rice that absorbs all the flavors in the pan.
- 2 tablespoons salted butter: Adds creaminess and richness to the rice and zucchini.
- 2 cups sliced/chopped zucchini: Brings freshness and a gentle crunch to the texture.
- 1/2 cup honey: Balances heat with sweetness, creating a luscious glaze.
- 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce: Adds bold heat and tanginess to the honey sauce.
- 1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper: Adjust the spice level to your preference.
- 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder: Deepens the smoky spice profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Reiterates savory layers in the sauce.
- Sea salt: Balances all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°. This temperature is perfect for roasting the chicken to a golden, crispy finish while allowing the rice to cook through beautifully. In a large mixing bowl, toss your chicken thighs or breasts with olive oil, parmesan, chopped chipotle in adobo, smoked paprika, onion powder, chopped garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. This marinade ensures that every bite is infused with smoky, tangy, and savory flavors that will soak deep into the meat.
Step 2: Assemble Rice and Veggies
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the dry basmati rice with the chopped zucchini evenly across the bottom. Pour two cups of water over the rice and veggies, then dot the salted butter across the surface. This step allows the rice to absorb all the luscious flavors and moisture while baking. The zucchini adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh, tender bite that balances the richness of the chicken.
Step 3: Arrange and Bake
Now, arrange your seasoned chicken pieces on top of the rice and zucchini layer, spacing them out evenly. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until your rice is fluffy and the chicken is cooked through. A handy tip: if you notice the rice is still a bit firm after that time, simply add another 1/3 cup of water and bake for 10 more minutes. This step guarantees perfectly tender rice without any guesswork.
Step 4: Craft the Honey Chipotle Sauce
While your chicken and rice are baking, prepare the irresistible sauce that truly elevates this dish. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Warm everything together until the mixture is smooth and fragrant. This sauce blends spicy and sweet in harmony, giving the chicken a glorious glossy finish when drizzled over.
Step 5: Finish and Enjoy
Once the chicken and rice come out of the oven, spoon half of that luscious honey-chipotle sauce over the chicken while it is hot. Then, serve by plating generous portions of the rice, zucchini, and chicken together, topped with fresh basil or additional honey sauce if you like. This last touch adds brightness and balances the smoky heat beautifully.
How to Serve One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro work wonders here. They add a refreshing herbal contrast to the smoky, spicy chicken. For a bit of crunch, sprinkle toasted pepitas or sliced almonds on top, which also bring a lovely textural element to the plate.
Side Dishes
Although this is a complete meal on its own, a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts complement the warm, hearty flavor profile nicely. A side of avocado slices can also add creaminess and cool things down if you like a little milder balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful presentation, arrange the chicken on a large platter and surround with colorful bowls of sautéed vegetables or a vibrant salsa. You can also stuff the chicken onto skewers and serve over the rice for a fun, finger-friendly take at parties or casual meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier. Just ensure the dish has cooled completely before covering and refrigerating.
Freezing
If you want to keep this meal longer, transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy this flavorful dinner anytime. When freezing, keep the honey sauce separate if possible to prevent it from becoming too thick upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge. Warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water to the rice if needed to keep it moist. Reheat the honey chipotle sauce on the stovetop to refresh its glossy texture and vibrant flavors before drizzling.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work perfectly well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that they may cook a bit faster and can dry out easily, so check for doneness early and consider marinating a little longer for extra juiciness.
Is basmati rice the only option?
Basmati rice is ideal because it cooks up fluffy and separate, soaking up flavors well. However, you can substitute with jasmine rice or other long-grain varieties. Avoid short grain or sticky rice as they might become mushy in the baking process.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level is customizable since the recipe allows flexibility with chipotle, cayenne, and hot sauce amounts. You can easily adjust according to your heat tolerance by starting with less and adding more as needed.
What can I substitute for chipotle in adobo?
If you don’t have chipotle in adobo, smoked paprika combined with a bit of chili powder and a splash of hot sauce can mimic the smoky heat. While it won’t be exactly the same, it still brings a wonderful smoky dimension.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, you can swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, cauliflower florets, or chickpeas. The chipotle honey sauce works well across many protein and veggie options!
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice Recipe has become a beloved go-to in my kitchen because it’s just so rich in flavor, easy to prepare, and incredibly satisfying. I hope it finds a special place in your dinner rotation too — there’s nothing quite like the mix of smoky, sweet, and spicy notes filling your home and plate all at once. Give it a try and watch it disappear fast!
Print
One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal combining tender chicken thighs, aromatic basmati rice, and zucchini, all baked together in one dish. The chicken is marinated in a smoky and spicy chipotle blend, baked alongside rice and vegetables, and finished with a sweet and spicy honey hot sauce for a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 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
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Rice and Vegetables
- 1 3/4 cups dry basmati rice
- 2 cups sliced or chopped zucchini
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 cups water (plus additional if needed)
Honey Hot Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1–3 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference)
- 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken and rice.
- Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs or breasts with olive oil, grated parmesan, chopped chipotle in adobo, smoked paprika, onion powder, chopped garlic, lemon zest, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the chicken with the flavorful marinade.
- Prepare Rice and Zucchini: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread out the dry basmati rice and sliced or chopped zucchini. Pour 2 cups of water over the rice and vegetables, then add the salted butter on top for richness.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the marinated chicken pieces evenly over the rice and zucchini in the baking dish, ensuring they’re spaced for even cooking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C). If the rice is still hard after baking, add an extra 1/3 cup of water and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes.
- Make Honey Hot Sauce: While the chicken and rice bake, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through and well combined.
- Serve: Once baked, spoon half of the warm honey hot sauce over the chicken. Serve the chicken, rice, and zucchini topped with fresh basil if desired and drizzle with the remaining honey sauce for an extra kick of sweetness and spice. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- You can use chicken breasts or thighs; skin-on adds flavor but skinless works for a leaner option.
- Adjust cayenne pepper and chipotle amounts to control spiciness according to your preference.
- If you don’t have fresh zucchini, yellow squash or bell peppers can be great substitutes.
- Ensure rice is fully cooked by adding extra water and extending bake time if necessary.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
