One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a dish that beautifully intertwines savory chicken with the sweet, sticky allure of honey and BBQ sauce, all while keeping things perfectly simple with minimal cleanup. The first time I whipped up this recipe, it was one of those chaotic evenings when dinner needed to be both delicious and quick. With just one skillet bringing everything together, I marveled at how effortless it was to create something so flavorful. It quickly became a staple in my kitchen, transforming weeknight meals and impressing guests all at once.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

This dish is not only easy; it combines tender, juicy chicken with perfectly cooked rice and vibrant vegetables, creating a well-rounded meal in one pan. The enticing aroma of the honey-infused BBQ sauce fills your kitchen and invites everyone to the table. Plus, it offers endless possibilities for customization—swap out the chicken for pork or tofu and mix in your favorite veggies like bell peppers or broccoli. The best part? You can adjust the BBQ sauce to add a little heat with a spicy version. If you’re looking for a one-pan wonder that’s big on flavor and quick to make, I can’t wait for you to try this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With only 10 minutes of prep and just 40 minutes in total, dinner can be on the table in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The sweet and smoky BBQ sauce paired with honey creates a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful veggies and glazed chicken make this dish as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a cozy family dinner or casual gatherings with friends.
Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to substitute chicken with pork or tofu and use your favorite veggies for a tailored meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, but breasts work well, too. Both options bring a hearty protein to the dish.
1 cup long-grain rice: This rice type cooks beautifully and absorbs the flavorful broth, making it fluffy and delicious.
2 cups chicken broth: It adds depth and richness, enhancing the overall taste. Low-sodium options are great for controlling salt levels.
½ cup BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand! This ingredient is the star that gives the dish its signature flavor.
¼ cup honey: It gives a sweet contrast to the BBQ sauce and helps create a sticky glaze.
1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh): Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas work well. Using frozen veggies saves time while still offering great nutrition.
1 tsp garlic powder: A must for that wonderful aromatic foundation, adding depth to the flavor profile.
1 tsp onion powder: Complements the garlic and enhances the overall savoriness.
½ tsp smoked paprika: This adds a wonderful smokiness that echoes the BBQ flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing the flavors. Adjust according to your preference.

How to Make One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add your 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Season with salt, pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp smoked paprika. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through, developing a lovely crust.

Mix the Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, whisk together ½ cup of BBQ sauce and ¼ cup of honey in a small bowl. This sweet and tangy concoction will be the highlight of our dish, so make sure it’s well combined.

Combine Ingredients: Once the chicken is seared, pour the honey BBQ mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Add 1 cup of long-grain rice and 2 cups of chicken broth into the skillet, stirring everything together to ensure the rice is evenly coated and submerged in the juicy goodness.

Simmer and Cook: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth. If you peek under the lid, you should see bubbling around the edges—this is a good sign!

Add Veggies: In the final 5 minutes of cooking, arrange 1 cup of mixed vegetables on top without stirring. Cover the skillet again and allow the steam to cook fresh or frozen veggies to perfection. They should be vibrant and crisp-tender by the time you’re ready to serve.

Let it Rest: After cooking, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the dish to finish its magic. When you’re ready, fluff the rice with a fork and dish up generous servings.

Storing & Reheating

You can store leftover One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it; it will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth to refresh the texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet while searing the chicken; if there isn’t enough space, it may steam rather than brown.
If using frozen mixed vegetables, you can toss them in the skillet directly without thawing. They’ll steam beautifully on top of the rice.
For a richer flavor, try using homemade chicken broth, but store-bought works just fine too!
To ensure even cooking, cut chicken breasts into uniform pieces if using them to promote even cooking.
If you like a bit of crunch, toss in some chopped nuts like cashews or slices of almonds right before serving for texture and flavor.

This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice can quickly become a cherished recipe you’ll return to time and time again. Not only is it simple and quick to prepare, but it also allows you the freedom to explore different ingredient choices. Whether you’re entertaining friends or looking for a satisfying family meal, this dish will surely please everyone at the table. Enjoy the melodic blend of sweet and savory, take a bite, and let it transport you to your favorite dinner spot.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use pork or tofu instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. If you choose to replace the chicken with pork, opt for pork tenderloin or chops. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm tofu, pressing it to remove excess moisture. Simply follow the same cooking directions as you would for chicken, adjusting for the protein type.

What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to customize with any vegetables you love! Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or even corn work beautifully in this dish. Frozen mixed vegetables are also a great shortcut if you’re short on time.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything up to the cooking step and store the seasoned chicken and pre-mixed sauce in the fridge for one day. When ready to cook, add the rice and broth to the chicken mixture directly in the pan for a quick weeknight meal.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The best way to check for doneness is using a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer handy, cutting into the thickest part of the chicken will show that the juices run clear, indicating it’s cooked through.

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One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: One Pot
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

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Description

Enjoy the delightful mix of tender chicken, sweet honey, and savory BBQ sauce in this One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. Perfect for a quick dinner, this dish combines simplicity and flavor with just a few ingredients, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup bbq sauce
¼ cup honey
1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, sear the seasoned chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until browned.
In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce and honey, then pour it over the chicken.
Add rice and chicken broth, stirring to combine everything.
Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender.
During the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the mixed vegetables on top to steam them properly.
Let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Notes

Adjust the amount of honey and BBQ sauce according to your taste preferences.
Feel free to use any kind of mixed vegetables you have on hand for extra nutrition.
This dish makes great leftovers for lunch the next day.