Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or a large piece of aluminum foil. Carefully transfer it to your preheated oven. Bake, covered, for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the lid or foil. The rice should have absorbed most of the liquid. Spoon some of the pan juices over the chicken, then bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes. This final bake lets the chicken skin crisp back up and allows the sauce on top to caramelize beautifully. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the rice is tender.
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested the rice-to-liquid ratio three different ways. Using 1 cup of rice to 1 ¼ cups of broth is the sweet spot for this method. More liquid leaves you with soupy rice; less leaves it undercooked. Remember, the chicken and sauce also release moisture. Using long-grain rice like jasmine is key because it stays fluffy and separate. Avoid short-grain or instant rice, which will become mushy.
Here’s what I learned the hard way about the sauce: applying it all at the beginning can cause the sugars in the honey and BBQ sauce to burn in the hot oven. By reserving a portion to brush on at the end, you get that gorgeous, sticky, caramelized glaze without any bitter, burnt flavors. That final 10-15 minutes of uncovered baking is essential for achieving that perfect lacquered look and taste.
For the crispiest possible skin, after the final bake, I sometimes turn the oven to broil for just 1-2 minutes, keeping a very close eye on it. This gives the skin an irresistible, crackly texture. Also, letting the cooked dish rest for 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven allows the rice to set up perfectly and makes the chicken even juicier when you cut into it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
My first attempt failed because I didn’t pat the chicken dry. The skin steamed instead of seared, resulting in pale, rubbery skin that never got crispy, no matter how long I baked it. Taking 30 seconds to thoroughly dry the chicken with paper towels is the single most important step for texture. It seems small, but it makes a monumental difference.(See the next page below to continue…)