Name: One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
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; Sea salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1 3/4 cups dry basmati rice; 2 cups sliced or chopped zucchini; 2 tablespoons salted butter; 2 cups water; 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; Pinch of sea salt

Introduction

This One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice is a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken thighs baked with fragrant rice and zucchini are elevated by a sweet and spicy chipotle honey sauce. It’s a comforting meal that requires minimal cleanup and delivers maximum taste.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a layer of cooked rice that is light brown with some toasted edges, topped with several pieces of browned, glazed chicken thighs that have a shiny, slightly charred surface. Among the chicken pieces are thick round slices of cooked zucchini, showing green skin and pale green interiors with slight browning. Fresh green herb leaves, including basil and small sprigs of thyme, are scattered on top, adding a pop of bright green color. A spoon rests on the edge of the dish, partially buried in the rice and zucchini, all placed on a white marbled surface with some small green herbs around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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, toss the chicken with olive oil, parmesan cheese, chopped chipotle, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic, lemon zest, sea salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 3: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the dry basmati rice and sliced zucchini. Pour 2 cups of water over the rice and zucchini, then add the salted butter on top.

Step 4: Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces evenly over the rice and zucchini.

Step 5: Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is cooked through. If the rice is still hard after this time, add 1/3 cup more water and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 6: Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by warming honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt together in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until combined and heated through.

Step 7: When the chicken is done, spoon half of the honey chipotle sauce over the chicken and rice. Serve with extra sauce on the side and garnish with fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your meal!

Tips & Variations

For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and chipotle in adobo.

Swap zucchini for other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms depending on what you have on hand.

Using chicken thighs will keep the meat juicier, but breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.

Adding fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley at the end adds a bright, fresh note.

FAQs

Can I use another type of rice?

While basmati rice works best for this recipe, you can substitute long-grain rice or jasmine rice. Adjust the water and cooking time accordingly, as different rice types absorb liquid differently.

Is this dish spicy?

The level of spice can be customized by adjusting the amount of chipotle chile, cayenne pepper, and hot sauce. If you prefer less heat, reduce these ingredients or omit the cayenne pepper entirely.