Creamy, juicy, and full of sweet-and-savory flavor, One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is the kind of dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day. This recipe takes tender chicken, sticky honey BBQ sauce, and perfectly cooked rice and brings them together in a single skillet for minimal fuss and maximum comfort. Fun fact: one-pan dinners began as a practical solution to busy weeknights and have become a beloved kitchen shortcut—kind of like a culinary superpower. If you love one-pot meals, try my other favorite One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice for a slightly bolder take. Quick to prep, family-friendly, and clean-up is a breeze—what’s not to love? Grab your skillet and let’s get cooking!
What is One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice?
What’s in a name? One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice says it all: everything cooks together in one pan, draped in honey BBQ goodness, and served over a bed of steaming rice. Curious where it came from—midweek desperation or a backyard cookout experiment? Maybe both. Why fuss with multiple pots when you can have everything cozy in a single pan? After all, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Whether you’re feeding picky kids or impressing friends, this dish is a no-fail winner. Give it a try and see why one-pan meals are the unsung heroes of dinner time.
Why You’ll Love This
- Flavor first: The balance of sweet honey and tangy BBQ creates a glossy sauce that clings to the chicken and infuses the rice for every bite to taste like a hug for your mouth.
- Budget-friendly: Using simple pantry staples and one protein keeps costs low while still delivering big flavor—perfect for families or meal-prep nights.
- Crowd-pleasing toppings: Add chopped green onions, a sprinkle of cheese, or a drizzle of extra BBQ for texture and brightness.
If you’re a fan of hearty one-skillet dinners, this recipe is a close cousin to my One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice, but it’s lighter on hands-on time and just as comforting. Try it tonight and watch it disappear!
How to Make:
Quick Overview
This recipe is perfect for busy cooks because it requires only a few straightforward steps: sear the chicken, add rice and broth, stir in honey BBQ sauce, then simmer until everything is tender. You’ll get a creamy, saucy texture where the rice absorbs that BBQ-honey flavor, and the chicken stays juicy with a lightly browned finish. Total time: about 5–10 minutes prep and 25–30 minutes cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed under cold water until clear
- 2 cups chicken broth, room temperature
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for searing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken so it sears nicely.
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Add the chicken to the pan and sear until browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally so pieces brown on all sides but are not fully cooked through.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the rice and honey BBQ sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through. Check once halfway through and give a gentle stir to prevent sticking.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve the chicken on top. Garnish as desired with sliced green onions, chopped parsley, or shredded cheese.
What to Serve With
- Crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to cut the sweetness of the BBQ
- Steamed or roasted broccoli or green beans for color and texture
- Corn on the cob or a corn salad for a sweet, summery side
- Pickled jalapeños or sliced fresh chilies if you like a spicy contrast
- For drinks: a cold iced tea, lemonade, or a light lager complements the meal nicely
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Use thighs for juicier results; breasts work fine but watch cooking time to prevent drying.
- Rinse rice to remove excess starch and prevent gummy texture.
- If your pan is small, cut chicken into smaller pieces so everything cooks evenly.
- For deeper flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of broth after searing chicken, scraping brown bits into the sauce.
- If the rice is still firm at 25 minutes, add 1/4 cup more broth and cook a few minutes longer—avoid high heat to prevent burning.
- Avoid lifting the lid too often during simmering; steady steam cooks the rice properly.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Cool leftovers to room temperature, store in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating stovetop: Add a splash of chicken broth or water to a pan, reheat on low, stirring occasionally to revive the rice’s texture.
- Reheating microwave: Sprinkle a little water or broth over the dish, cover, and microwave in 1-minute bursts until heated through, stirring between bursts to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes. Brown rice will require a longer simmer time (about 40-45 minutes) and may need additional liquid. Adjust cooking time and check for tenderness.
Can I make this with frozen chicken?
For best results, thaw chicken first. Frozen chicken releases extra liquid and won’t brown properly; if you must use frozen, allow extra cooking time and skip the sear.
How can I make this spicier?
Stir in a tablespoon of hot sauce, add chopped jalapeño while cooking, or use a spicy BBQ sauce to bring heat.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. It stores and reheats well and makes a convenient lunch or dinner for a few days.
Can I use a different protein?
Yes—shrimp, turkey, or even cubed pork can be used. Adjust cooking times accordingly so proteins reach safe internal temperatures.
Conclusion
This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is a weeknight winner—simple, cozy, and loaded with flavor that makes everyone come back for seconds. It’s forgiving, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy families or casual dinner parties. If you enjoyed this one-pan wonder, you might also like this review-style shout-out that celebrates similar easy meals: Delish! Love this one pan wonder! Everyone got seconds!. For a related sheet-pan take on honey-coated chicken and greens, check out Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli. – Half Baked Harvest. Now grab your skillet, invite the family, and enjoy the comfort of a homemade, one-pan meal—then come back and tell me how it turned out!
One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Equipment
- Large Pan
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts Trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
Grains
- 1 cup Long-grain white rice Rinsed under cold water until clear
Liquids
- 2 cups Chicken broth Room temperature
- 1/2 cup Honey BBQ sauce Room temperature
Fats
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil For searing
Spices
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- Salt and pepper To taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken so it sears nicely.
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Add the chicken to the pan and sear until browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally so pieces brown on all sides but are not fully cooked through.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the rice and honey BBQ sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through. Check once halfway through and give a gentle stir to prevent sticking.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve the chicken on top. Garnish as desired with sliced green onions, chopped parsley, or shredded cheese.