24-One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice That Wows

When you’re craving a hearty, flavor-packed meal with minimal cleanup, One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is the perfect solution. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with a sweet and smoky honey BBQ glaze, all cooked together with perfectly seasoned rice. The result? A satisfying, one-skillet meal that balances bold barbecue flavors with rich, caramelized undertones. Ideal for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~450 per serving

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 12g
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 800mg

Recipe Category

• Course: Main Dish
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: High Protein, Dairy-Free Option
• Method: One-Pan, Stovetop
• Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, One-Pan Dinner, Easy Chicken Recipe
• Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup long-grain rice (or your preferred rice)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 2 minutes).
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and sear both sides until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
4. Cook the Rice: In the same skillet, add the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast it.
5. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix honey and BBQ sauce together. Pour this mixture over the rice, then add chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the rice. Cover and let everything simmer over low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
7. Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Pro Tips and Variations

• For extra flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture for a deeper, savory taste.
• Rice Variations: You can substitute the rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a different texture.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in some bell peppers, corn, or peas for added color and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Want some heat? Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
• Grill Option: Grill the chicken separately if you prefer a smoky flavor, then add it to the pan with the rice for the final simmer.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a complete meal.
• Pair with a light salad to balance the rich flavors of the BBQ chicken and rice.
• For extra crunch, top with crispy fried onions or slaw for a fresh contrast.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
   Yes! Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through. Bone-in chicken may require a little more time to cook than boneless.

2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
   Brown rice works but needs a longer cooking time. You may need to add extra liquid to help it cook properly.

3. How do I prevent the rice from burning?
   Make sure to cover the pan tightly while simmering and keep the heat low. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

4. Can I use frozen chicken?
   It’s best to thaw the chicken before cooking. Cooking from frozen can affect the texture and cooking time.

5. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
   Absolutely! Bell peppers, peas, or corn are great additions. You can stir them in after the rice is cooked for extra flavor and nutrition.

6. Is this recipe spicy?
   The recipe isn’t very spicy, but if you prefer heat, you can add cayenne pepper or a spicier BBQ sauce.

7. Can I use quinoa instead of rice?
   Yes! Quinoa is a great alternative. It will cook faster than rice, so be sure to adjust the liquid accordingly.

8. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.

9. Can I make this recipe in advance?
   Yes, this recipe can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat with a little extra broth to keep it moist.

10. Can I cook this dish in a slow cooker?
    Yes, you can cook it in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours. Brown the chicken first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook until the rice is tender.

11. Can I substitute the honey with something else?
    Yes, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar as a substitute for honey.

12. How do I store leftovers?
    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

13. Can I make this recipe with chicken tenders?
    Yes, chicken tenders will work. They’ll cook faster than chicken breasts or thighs, so be sure to watch the cooking time.

14. How do I make this dish more flavorful?
    You can add extra spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to boost the flavor.

15. Can I use a different type of BBQ sauce?
    Absolutely! Use your favorite BBQ sauce—sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy—to customize the flavor.

16. What kind of rice should I use?
    Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe, but you can also use jasmine or basmati rice for a slightly different flavor and texture.

17. How do I prevent the chicken from being dry?
    To avoid dry chicken, cook it on medium heat and be careful not to overcook. You can also cover the skillet during the simmering stage to retain moisture.

18. Can I freeze this dish?
    Yes, this dish freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

19. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
    The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check.

20. Can I make this dish spicier?
    Yes, you can add chili flakes, hot sauce, or a spicy BBQ sauce to bring up the heat level. Adjust to your desired spice level!

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is the ultimate dinner solution for busy nights. With minimal prep and cleanup, this meal delivers rich flavors and a satisfying bite. Your family will love the sweet and smoky BBQ glaze paired with tender chicken and perfectly seasoned rice. It’s simple, delicious, and sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.