Picture yourself scooping generous portions onto plates, the steam rising, promising a meal that’s both comforting and incredibly flavorful. This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice isn’t just a feast for the senses; it’s a weeknight game-changer.

You get that deep, satisfying barbecue flavour you love, married perfectly with savoury chicken and perfectly cooked rice, but without the mountain of dishes afterward. It requires minimal steps and delivers maximum deliciousness, making it a true crowd-pleaser for busy evenings. Try it tonight—you won’t believe how simple crafting this amazing meal can be!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful one-pan meal. Don’t be intimidated by the list; most of these are pantry staples!

1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs (or Breasts), cut into 1-inch pieces
1 small Yellow Onion, finely chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 cup Long-Grain White Rice, rinsed
1 ½ cups Chicken Broth (low sodium recommended)
¾ cup Your Favorite BBQ Sauce
¼ cup Honey
1 tsp Smoked Paprika
½ tsp Salt (or to taste)
¼ tsp Black Pepper
Optional Garnish: Chopped Fresh Parsley or Sliced Green Onions

Universal Tip: Always rinse your rice thoroughly before cooking! This removes excess starch, preventing clumpy rice and ensuring fluffy, separate grains.

Universal Tip: Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. Broth and BBQ sauce saltiness can vary, so a final check ensures perfect flavour balance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a perfect One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice every time. The key is to build flavour in layers and be patient during the simmering process.

Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan). Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Searing creates a flavorful crust on the chicken, adding depth to the final dish. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.Searing the chicken not only adds flavor but also helps to keep it moist during the cooking process. Don’t skip this step!
Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and smoked paprika, cooking for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the foundational flavour base for your One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice.Take your time with this step to really develop the flavors of the onion and garlic. The smoked paprika adds a wonderful depth that complements the BBQ sauce.
Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the skillet. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, allowing the grains to toast slightly in the remaining oil and aromatics. Toasting the rice enhances its nutty flavour and helps it absorb liquid more evenly.Toasting the rice is a game-changer! It prevents a mushy final product and adds a subtle nuttiness that elevates the dish.
Combine Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with your spoon to release any browned bits (this is called deglazing and adds tons of flavour!). In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet.Deglazing the pan is crucial for unlocking all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. Make sure to scrape well!
Simmer: Stir everything together well. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
Add Chicken & Cook: Return the seared chicken (and any accumulated juices) to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the rice mixture. Ensure the rice is mostly submerged in the liquid.
Cover and Cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly with a lid, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid frequently, as this releases steam needed for cooking the rice properly.Patience is key here! Resist the urge to lift the lid, as this can release steam and affect the rice’s cooking process. Trust the process!
Rest: Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the steam to redistribute, resulting in perfectly fluffy rice and allowing the flavours to meld beautifully.Resting is just as important as cooking! It allows the rice to fully absorb any remaining moisture and become perfectly fluffy.
Fluff and Serve: Gently fluff the rice and chicken mixture with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, if desired, before serving your delicious One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice.For safe chicken preparation, always ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), as recommended by the USDA Chicken Cooking Safety guidelines.

Serving Ideas

Serving your One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is as easy as making it! For a balanced meal, pair this flavour-packed dish with simple sides that complement the sweet and smoky notes. Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli florets, or a crisp corn salad add vibrant colour and freshness. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also works beautifully, cutting through the richness of the BBQ sauce.

When plating, you can serve it family-style directly from the skillet for a rustic, communal feel – just place a trivet on the table! Alternatively, scoop generous individual portions onto plates or shallow bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of colour and extra flavour. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side can offer a cooling counterpoint to the BBQ spice if you like. This dish stands strong on its own but welcomes simple additions.

FAQs

What type of chicken is best for One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are generally recommended because they remain tender and juicy even after simmering. However, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well too! Just be mindful not to overcook them, as breast meat can dry out more easily. Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking.

Can I use a different type of rice?

Long-grain white rice is ideal for this recipe as it cooks relatively quickly and absorbs the flavours well while maintaining separate grains. Brown rice can be used, but it requires significantly more liquid (adjust broth accordingly, likely adding ½ to 1 cup more) and a longer cooking time (around 40-50 minutes). Basmati or Jasmine rice can also work, though their distinct aromas will slightly alter the final flavour profile. Always rinse your rice!

How can I make this dish spicier?

Easily! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic, incorporate a chopped jalapeño with the onion, or choose a spicier BBQ sauce. You could also add a dash of your favourite hot sauce to the BBQ sauce and honey mixture before adding it to the skillet. Start small and taste as you go to reach your desired heat level.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if the rice seems dry. Alternatively, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, again adding a splash of liquid if needed to prevent sticking and restore moisture.

Can I add vegetables to this one-pan meal?

Absolutely! This is a great way to boost nutrition. Consider adding corn kernels (frozen or canned, drained) or frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of simmering. You could also sauté diced bell peppers (any colour) along with the onion for extra flavour and texture. Remember that adding significant amounts of vegetables might require a slight increase in liquid.

What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?

Use your favourite brand and style! Whether you prefer a classic smoky flavour, a tangy Carolina-style sauce, or a sweeter Kansas City variety, it will work well. The honey adds sweetness, so keep that in mind when selecting your sauce – you might want slightly less honey if using an already very sweet BBQ sauce. Always follow safe food handling, especially when dealing with sauces and outdoor cooking; the Mayo Clinic’s article on BBQ Safety offers useful tips.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice truly delivers on its promise: a deeply flavourful, satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and that irresistible sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce makes it an instant favourite for any night of the week. It’s proof that you don’t need complicated steps or multiple pots to create something genuinely delicious.

If you enjoy the ease of dishes like this, you might also love exploring other simple recipes like these Spicy Honey Ginger Chicken Bowls or this Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe.

Pro Tips:

For extra smoky flavour, add ½ teaspoon of liquid smoke along with the broth or use a BBQ sauce specifically labelled as ‘smoky’.
For a tropical twist, stir in ½ cup of drained pineapple tidbits during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The sweetness complements the honey BBQ perfectly.
Try adding black beans: Stir in a can of drained and rinsed black beans with the chicken for added protein and fibre.

One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice: The Weeknight Wonder

Print Recipe

This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice brings you juicy, flavorful chicken, fluffy seasoned rice, and a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, all cooked together in one skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s easy, satisfying, and minimizes cleanup without sacrificing big, bold flavors!

Author: Kiera
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: One-Pan
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs (or Breasts), cut into 1-inch pieces
1 small Yellow Onion, finely chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 cup Long-Grain White Rice, rinsed
1 ½ cups Chicken Broth (low sodium recommended)
¾ cup Your Favorite BBQ Sauce
¼ cup Honey
1 tsp Smoked Paprika
½ tsp Salt (or to taste)
¼ tsp Black Pepper
Optional Garnish: Chopped Fresh Parsley or Sliced Green Onions

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and cook 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and smoked paprika; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Add rinsed rice to skillet. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the grains.
Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce and honey; add to skillet and stir to combine.
Return seared chicken and accumulated juices to the skillet, nestling chicken into the rice mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Cover tightly with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid while cooking.
Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork.
Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, and serve hot.

Notes

Always rinse your rice to remove excess starch for fluffy grains. Choose your favorite BBQ sauce style—smoky, tangy, or sweet—to tailor the flavor to your preference.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 generous scoop
Calories: 480
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: one pan honey bbq chicken rice, bbq chicken and rice, easy skillet meals, honey barbecue chicken, one pot chicken rice