Name: One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts, diced ((about 1-inch pieces)); 1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed if desired); 1 cup chicken broth (hot or room temperature); 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety); 2 tbsp honey (room temperature); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper (to taste); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Creamy, juicy, and packed with sweet-and-smoky flavor, this One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is the kind of weeknight wonder that becomes a family favorite fast. Imagine tender chicken bites glazed in a sticky honey BBQ sauce, nestling into fluffy rice that soaks up every savory drop — comforting, simple, and endlessly satisfying. Fun fact: combining barbecue sauce with a touch of honey was a trick Southern cooks used to rescue dry weeknight chicken and turn it into something special.

This recipe is special because it comes together in one pan, takes less time than ordering takeout, and is perfect for picky eaters and hungry adults alike. If you love the cozy convenience of a skillet meal like our Crazy Chicken Mexican Chicken and Rice with Cheese, you’ll find this recipe just as comforting but with a sweet BBQ twist. Get your skillet ready — dinner is about to get delicious.

What is One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice?

What’s in a name? One skillet, honey BBQ, chicken, and rice — all the good stuff, right? Why so literal? Because this dish is exactly what it promises: everything cooked together in a single pan for minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Who named it? Maybe a busy parent, maybe a hungry roommate, but you can guess the motto behind it: “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Who can argue with that logic when sticky-sweet BBQ and tender chicken are involved? Try it tonight and see why the name stuck — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This:

Flavor packed: Tangy BBQ sauce balanced with honey creates a glossy, irresistible glaze that clings to tender chicken and flavors every grain of rice.
Wallet-friendly and efficient: Making this at home saves money compared to restaurant or takeout options, and using one skillet cuts down cleanup time.
Family-friendly crowd pleaser: Simple flavors that kids and adults love, with room to add veggies or spice for grown-up palates.

Compared to our chicken wing recipes like Honey Bourbon Chicken Wings, this recipe is more of a hearty, complete meal in one pan — same sweet-savory profile but with rice to soak up all the sauce. Ready to give it a try? Let’s get cooking.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is simple: sear seasoned diced chicken, sauté aromatics, toast rice briefly, simmer in chicken broth until tender, then fold in a honey-BBQ finish. The standout element is the sticky honey-BBQ glaze that ties everything together. Total time is about 30–35 minutes: roughly 10 minutes prep and 20–25 minutes cooking.

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts, diced (about 1-inch pieces)
1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed if desired
1 cup chicken broth, hot or room temperature
1/2 cup BBQ sauce, your favorite variety
2 tbsp honey, room temperature
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes so the oil shimmers but does not smoke.
Add the diced chicken in a single layer, season with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper, and cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer if unsure — chicken should reach 165°F. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook another 1 minute until softened and fragrant. Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the garlic.
Stir in the rice and cook 1–2 minutes, tossing so each grain gets coated with oil and picks up the savory aromatics. Toasting the rice briefly adds a nice texture.
Pour in the chicken broth, increase heat to bring the skillet to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time so the rice cooks evenly.
While the rice cooks, whisk the BBQ sauce and honey together in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. This becomes your glaze.
After 15 minutes, remove the lid and check that the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour the honey-BBQ sauce over everything. Gently stir to coat the rice and chicken evenly.
Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes over low heat just to heat the chicken through and let the sauce cling to the grains. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately, spooning generous portions of sauce-coated chicken and rice onto plates.

One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

What to Serve With:

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut the sweetness.
Steamed or roasted green beans, broccoli, or a medley of bell peppers for color and crunch.
Cornbread or warm dinner rolls to mop up extra sauce.
Pickled cucumber or slaw for a bright contrast.
For drinks, an iced tea, light beer, or sparkling water with a lime wedge pairs well.

Top Tips for Perfecting:

Substitutions: Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer juicier dark meat. Use brown rice, but increase simmer time and broth to 1 1/4 cups and cook 40–45 minutes.
Timing: Dice chicken into uniform pieces so they cook evenly in the suggested 6–8 minutes. If pieces are large, increase sear time slightly.
Flavor boost: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of soy sauce to deepen the savory notes. A squeeze of fresh lemon or a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar brightens the sauce.
Texture: Don’t stir the rice while it’s simmering; lifting the lid too often releases steam and can make rice gummy.
Avoid dryness: If the rice looks dry before the time is up, add an extra 1/4 cup warm broth and continue cooking until tender.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Cool completely before sealing.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container and leave a little headspace. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note: rice texture may slightly change after freezing.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the rice and sauce, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Microwave reheating works too — cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between cycles to ensure even warming.

FAQs

What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Use a medium-sweet, slightly smoky BBQ sauce for balance. Avoid overly thin sauces; a thicker sauce clings better. You can mix different sauces for complexity.

Can I use brown rice or instant rice instead?
Yes. For brown rice, increase broth to 1 1/4 cups and simmer 40–45 minutes. For instant rice, follow package directions and reduce cooking time; add chicken back just to heat through.

Is this recipe spicy?
No — this is a mild, family-friendly dish. Add a pinch of cayenne, a few dashes of hot sauce, or use a spicy BBQ sauce if you want heat.

Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Absolutely. Add diced bell peppers or frozen peas with the onions, or stir in spinach at the end until wilted. Adjust cooking times as needed.

How do I make this gluten-free?
Most BBQ sauces have gluten-free options. Check labels and use a certified gluten-free sauce. Use gluten-free broth if needed.

Conclusion

This One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice proves that simple ingredients can create something deeply satisfying — tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a glossy honey-BBQ glaze all in one pan. It’s easy enough for weeknights, comforting enough for company, and flexible to suit your pantry. If you want more one-pan dinner ideas or inspiration for smokier takes on chicken, check out this One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice – Easy Weeknight Dinner for another variation or this Fried BBQ Chicken Skillet Dinner Recipe – TidyMom® for a crispier twist. Give it a try tonight and share the results — good food brings people together.