Introduction
Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s bold, comforting, and cleanup-friendly? This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is your new go-to. It’s a sweet-savory combo of juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and sticky honey BBQ sauce—all cooked together in one skillet. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that tastes like a backyard BBQ but requires zero grill time.
Table of Contents
What Is One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice ?
It’s like BBQ chicken meets stovetop casserole. Chicken is browned, then simmered with rice and a honey-laced BBQ sauce until sticky and flavorful.
Bonus: It’s ready in one pan = minimal cleanup!
Why You’ll Love It
- One-Pan Wonder – Less cleanup, more flavor.
- Sweet & Smoky – Caramelized BBQ coating on every bite.
- Customizable – Add veggies, swap proteins, tweak the sauce.
Ingredients for One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional add-ins:
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions for One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
1. Sear the Chicken:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear 5–7 min per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Toast the Rice:
In the same skillet, add rice. Stir for 1–2 min until lightly golden.
3. Add Liquids:
Pour in broth and BBQ sauce. Add honey and spices if using. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer:
Nestle chicken back into the skillet. Bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat, and cook for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender.
5. Rest & Serve:
Turn off heat, let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice, garnish with green onions, and serve hot!
What to Serve With It
- Steamed Broccoli
- Garlic Bread
- Coleslaw
- Garden Salad
- Iced Tea or Lemonade
Tips for Success
- Use thighs for extra juiciness.
- Toast rice for nutty depth.
- Add veggies like corn or peas with the liquid.
- If the rice isn’t done? Add ¼ cup broth and cook 5 more min.
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Skillet with broth or microwave in intervals.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, increase liquid and cooking time.
Is this vegetarian-friendly?
Use tofu or chickpeas and veggie broth.
Best BBQ sauce to use?
Thick and sweet-style sauces work great—use your favorite brand.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely—corn, peas, or bell peppers work perfectly.
Is searing necessary?
Recommended for flavor, but you can skip in a pinch.
One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey optional for extra sweetness
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup corn peas, or diced bell peppers
Instructions
Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Toast the Rice
- In the same skillet, add rice. Stir for 1–2 minutes until slightly golden and fragrant.
Add Liquids
- Pour in chicken broth and BBQ sauce. Stir in honey, garlic powder, onion powder, and any optional veggies.
Simmer
- Nestle the chicken back into the skillet. Bring everything to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 18–20 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Rest & Serve
- Turn off heat, keep covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice, garnish with green onions, and serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition Facts :
- Protein: 28g
-
Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
-
Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 580mg