One Pan Bold Honey Bbq Chicken Rice

Ever crave something sweet, smoky, and super simple? That was me last week. I threw everything into one pan—and wow, this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice was a total win.

It’s got bold BBQ flavor, a touch of honey, and juicy chicken all in one bite. Plus, the rice soaks up all that saucy goodness. And hey, only one pan to wash? Yes, please.

This is one of those meals I keep coming back to. It’s comforting, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy nights. My family asks for it all the time—no leftovers in sight.

If you want something easy but not boring, give this recipe a try. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pan Wonder: Less cleanup, more flavor — everything cooks together in one skillet.
• Sweet + Smoky Flavor: The honey BBQ sauce soaks into the rice and chicken, making every bite rich and satisfying.
• Weeknight Friendly: It’s ready in under an hour and needs just simple pantry ingredients.
• Kid-Approved: That sweet BBQ flavor? Yeah, even picky eaters can’t resist.
• Make It Your Own: Toss in whatever veggies you’ve got — fresh, frozen, it all works here.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings: Serves 4–6 as a hearty main dish. Perfect for weeknight dinner or Sunday meal prep.

Difficulty: Super simple. If you can stir a spoon and cover a skillet, you’re golden.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this dish from start to finish, here’s what I recommend:

• Large non-stick or cast iron skillet (with lid)
• Cutting board + sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Small mixing bowl

Ingredients for One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

This recipe uses pantry basics and comes together with fresh or frozen veggies. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Protein

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Grains

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed until water runs clear

Liquids

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water + bouillon cube)

Sauces

• ½ cup bold BBQ sauce (any brand or homemade)
• ¼ cup honey

Spices

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh – peas, corn, carrots, green beans work well)

Optional Garnish

• Chopped green onions
• Fresh parsley

Variations for Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

• Add Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella at the end for a melty topping.
• Make It Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
• Swap the Grain: Try brown rice (add extra broth and cook longer) or even quinoa.
• Use Leftover Chicken: Got rotisserie chicken? Skip the browning step and stir it in with the rice.
• Go Veggie-Heavy: Add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for more fiber.

How to Make One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Prep the Chicken

Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel so they sear nicely instead of steaming.

2. Brown the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned but not fully cooked through. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté Spices and Veggies

In the same pan, add another splash of oil if needed. Toss in your garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add your mixed vegetables and sauté for 2–3 minutes just to soften slightly.

4. Add the Rice

Stir in the rinsed rice, making sure it gets coated in the spices and veggie mix. This little toast gives it a deeper flavor.

5. Mix in the Sauce and Broth

In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the rice and veggies. Stir well to combine.

6. Add Back the Chicken

Gently nestle the browned chicken back into the skillet. Try to submerge it slightly into the liquid so it soaks up all the flavor.

7. Cover and Cook

Bring everything to a gentle boil. Then lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pan with a tight lid, and let it cook undisturbed for 20–25 minutes. The rice should absorb the liquid and become tender.

8. Rest and Fluff

Once the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, turn off the heat and let the pan sit covered for 5–10 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and taste — adjust seasoning if needed.

How to Serve One Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

This dish is a whole meal on its own, but if you want to make it shine, try serving it with:

• A side of coleslaw or simple green salad for a fresh crunch
• A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• Warm cornbread or garlic toast
• Pickles or pickled jalapeños for a sweet and spicy balance

For presentation: Sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top right before serving.

Storing One Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in single portions in sealed containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• To Reheat: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of water or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Rinse the Rice: Always rinse your rice until the water runs clear. It removes excess starch so you get fluffy grains, not mush.
• Use Low-Sodium Broth: The BBQ sauce already brings saltiness — low-sodium broth gives you more control over the final flavor.
• Let it Rest: After cooking, rest the covered skillet for 5–10 minutes. This gives the rice time to finish steaming and firm up.
• Don’t Over-Stir: Once you add the rice and broth, stir only once or twice. Constant stirring can make the rice gummy.
• Double It Up: Cooking for a crowd? Double everything and use a deeper skillet or Dutch oven.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount (Approximate)
Calories	420
Protein	27g
Carbohydrates	45g
Sugars	10g
Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	3g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	620mg

Note: Nutrition may vary slightly depending on the brand of BBQ sauce and specific vegetables used.

Chili Honey BBQ Chicken Rice FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by 15–20 minutes and add about ½ cup more broth. Make sure to check for doneness before serving.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Replace the chicken with chickpeas or diced tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Will it still work without a lid?

A tight lid is key for properly cooking the rice. If your skillet doesn’t have a lid, use foil tightly wrapped over the top.

What if I only have bottled BBQ sauce that’s super sweet?

Reduce the honey slightly or skip it altogether if your BBQ sauce already has a high sugar content.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes! It reheats really well and can be stored in single-serve containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Conclusion

One pan. One bold flavor. And one ridiculously easy dinner that feels like comfort food in every bite. I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count — for family dinners, cozy Sunday nights, and even quick lunches when I need something hearty and fast. Whether you serve it with extra veggies, a sprinkle of cheese, or just straight from the skillet, this dish checks every box: easy, flavorful, and satisfying.