One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

If you’re anything like me, you appreciate a meal that’s flavorful, easy to clean up, and doesn’t take all evening to prepare. That’s exactly why this One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice has become a favorite in my kitchen. It hits that sweet spot between comfort food and weeknight practicality. Juicy chicken bites, a sticky-sweet barbecue glaze, and tender rice all come together in one skillet—no need to juggle pots or wash extra dishes.

What I love most about this recipe is how effortlessly it balances bold, smoky-sweet flavors with satisfying texture. The honey BBQ sauce caramelizes beautifully on the chicken, adding a slightly charred edge that pairs perfectly with the soft, seasoned rice. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish feels like a small victory every time.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

This recipe is a one-pan wonder that brings serious flavor with very little effort. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. The honey BBQ glaze adds a rich, smoky-sweet dimension that both kids and adults love. Plus, since everything cooks together, the rice soaks up all the delicious juices from the chicken and sauce—which means every bite is loaded with flavor.

What Kind of BBQ Sauce Should I Use?

You can use any store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce, but I recommend going for a thick, smoky variety with a hint of sweetness. If your BBQ sauce is on the tangier side, a spoonful of honey can round it out nicely. The goal is to strike a perfect balance between sweet and savory to complement the tender chicken and neutral rice.

Options for Substitutions

• Protein: Boneless chicken thighs work beautifully if you prefer darker meat. Tofu or chickpeas can be used for a vegetarian version.
• Rice: Jasmine, Basmati, or even brown rice are all great. Just adjust the liquid and cook time accordingly.
• BBQ Sauce: Swap honey BBQ for spicy chipotle BBQ or Korean BBQ sauce for a flavor twist.
• Add-ins: Toss in bell peppers, peas, or corn for extra texture and color.
• Herbs: Garnish with cilantro, green onions, or parsley depending on what flavor profile you like.

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Ingredients for this One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: The star protein of the dish, diced for quick cooking and maximum surface area to absorb the honey BBQ sauce.
• Long-Grain White Rice: Acts as the base of the dish, soaking up all the saucy flavors as it cooks.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a rich, savory depth and ensures the rice cooks to tender perfection.
• Honey BBQ Sauce: A blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors that glazes the chicken and seeps into the rice.
• Olive Oil: Used to sear the chicken, giving it a beautiful golden crust.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a mild aromatic kick to both the chicken and the rice.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors.
• Fresh Parsley or Green Onions (Optional Garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness just before serving.

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Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and cut into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. This helps build flavor from the first step.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large oven-safe skillet or non-stick pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear until golden on all sides, about 3–5 minutes. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.

Step 3: Add the Rice and Broth

Once the chicken is seared, push it to the edges of the pan and add the uncooked rice to the center. Pour in the chicken broth, gently stirring to distribute the rice evenly under the chicken.

Step 4: Pour Over the BBQ Sauce

Drizzle the honey BBQ sauce generously over the chicken and rice. Don’t stir; let it settle and cook together so the sauce seeps naturally into the rice as it simmers.

Step 5: Simmer and Cover

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for about 18–20 minutes. Check halfway through to ensure nothing is sticking and give a gentle stir if needed.

Step 6: Uncover and Caramelize

Once the rice is cooked and the liquid absorbed, uncover the pan and increase the heat slightly. Let the sauce thicken and caramelize for about 3–5 minutes, which adds incredible flavor.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions. Serve hot and enjoy the perfect balance of sticky chicken and flavorful rice in one dish.

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How Long to Prepare the One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights because it comes together quickly and with minimal prep.

Prep Time: You’ll need about 10–15 minutes to chop the chicken, measure out your ingredients, and get everything ready to go.

Cook Time: Once it hits the pan, the cooking takes around 25–30 minutes in total. That includes searing the chicken, simmering everything together, and finishing with a quick caramelization.

Altogether, you’re looking at just under 45 minutes from start to finish—no extra pots or complicated techniques required.

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Tips for Perfect One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

• Rinse your rice before cooking to remove excess starch and help it cook more evenly.
• Use a non-stick or heavy-bottomed skillet to prevent burning or sticking.
• Don’t stir the rice too much while it’s cooking; let it absorb the broth slowly.
• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for 15 minutes beforehand.
• Keep the lid on tightly during simmering to trap steam and cook the rice perfectly.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using cold chicken straight from the fridge: Let it sit at room temp for 10 minutes to avoid uneven cooking.
• Overcrowding the pan: This will steam the chicken instead of searing it. Work in batches if needed.
• Lifting the lid too often: This releases steam and can lead to undercooked rice.
• Adding too much BBQ sauce too early: It can burn. Layer it evenly and add extra near the end if needed.
• Skipping the final caramelization step: That last bit of high heat brings out deep, sticky flavors—don’t skip it!

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What to Serve With One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice?

1. Steamed Broccoli

The freshness balances out the rich BBQ flavor perfectly.

2. Coleslaw

A crunchy, creamy slaw adds a refreshing contrast and texture.

3. Grilled Corn on the Cob

Sweet corn pairs naturally with BBQ—add some chili butter for extra kick.

4. Garlic Bread

Soak up every last bit of sauce with crusty, buttery garlic bread.

5. Cucumber Salad

Light, cool, and zesty—just what you need next to warm, sticky chicken.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen up the rice.

Freezer: You can freeze this dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before serving. Keep in mind, the texture of the rice may be slightly softer after freezing.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings total):

• Calories: ~460
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Sugar: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 780mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this recipe spicier?

Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a spoonful of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce before cooking.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more liquid. You’ll need to add about 1/2 cup more broth and increase simmering time by 10–15 minutes.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can pre-sear the chicken and measure out ingredients ahead of time. Just assemble and cook when ready.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

Water can work in a pinch, though the flavor won’t be as rich. Adding a bouillon cube or some soy sauce can help.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and ensure all other ingredients (like broth) are gluten-free too.

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Conclusion

One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is a comforting, flavor-packed meal that doesn’t demand much from you in the kitchen. It’s a true lifesaver on hectic days and tastes like something much more complicated than it actually is. With its sweet and smoky glaze, tender chicken, and perfectly seasoned rice, it’s no wonder this dish earns a permanent spot in any home cook’s rotation.

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