One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

I make this One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice when I want a sweet, smoky, and satisfying meal without a sink full of dishes. Tender chicken cooks right alongside seasoned rice in a rich honey barbecue sauce for a comforting all-in-one dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how everything comes together in one pan, making both cooking and cleanup simple for me. The rice absorbs the bold honey BBQ flavors as it cooks, while the chicken stays juicy and tender. I also appreciate how easy it is to customize with vegetables or different seasonings depending on what I have on hand. It’s a hearty, family-friendly meal that never disappoints.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1/2 cup diced onion

• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

Directions

1. I heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat.

2. I season the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

3. I sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until lightly browned, then remove it from the pan and set it aside.

4. In the same pan, I sauté the diced onion and bell pepper for about 3–4 minutes until softened.

5. I stir in the uncooked rice and toast it lightly for 1–2 minutes.

6. In a bowl, I mix the chicken broth, barbecue sauce, honey, and oregano.

7. I pour the mixture into the pan and stir well.

8. I return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice.

9. I bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. I cook for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

10. I let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice and garnishing with fresh herbs if I like.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4–5 people.

I usually spend around 15 minutes preparing the ingredients and about 25 minutes cooking. In total, I have the dish ready in approximately 40 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add corn or black beans for extra texture and flavor. If I want a little heat, I stir in red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. I also enjoy using brown rice, though I adjust the cooking time and add extra broth to ensure it cooks properly.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the rice seems dry. I can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Yes, I can use cooked rice and simply simmer it briefly in the sauce with the chicken until heated through.

What type of barbecue sauce works best?

I use my favorite store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce. Sweet and smoky varieties work especially well.

Can I bake this instead of cooking on the stovetop?

Yes, after assembling everything in an oven-safe dish, I bake it covered at 375°F for about 25–30 minutes.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

I avoid overcooking and let the chicken simmer gently in the covered pan so it stays juicy.

Can I freeze this meal?

Yes, I freeze cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. I thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

I love how this One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice delivers bold, sweet, and savory flavors in one easy skillet meal. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy nights when I want something hearty without extra cleanup.

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