Some nights I don’t want three pans going at once. I don’t want to juggle timing. I don’t want to think that hard.
That’s exactly where this One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice came from.
I had chicken. I had rice. I had a bottle of BBQ sauce sitting in the fridge that needed to be used. And I wanted something that felt a little fun — sweet, smoky, saucy — but still practical.
This is one of those dinners that looks like you tried harder than you did. The chicken gets golden and sticky from the honey BBQ sauce, and the rice underneath soaks up all that flavor while it cooks.
It’s simple. It’s bold. And the best part? You only wash one pan.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Honey BBQ Chicken And Rice
There’s something about a one-pan chicken and rice dinner that just feels manageable.
This honey BBQ chicken rice works because everything cooks together. The rice absorbs the chicken broth and the sweet, smoky BBQ sauce. Nothing is bland. Nothing is separate.
You’ll love this recipe because:
- It’s a true one-pan meal
- The honey BBQ flavor is bold but balanced
- The rice cooks right in the sauce
- It feeds four comfortably
- Leftovers are even better the next day
The honey adds sweetness, the smoked paprika brings a little depth, and the BBQ sauce ties everything together. It’s not complicated flavor. Just solid, comforting, slightly sticky goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This one is simple. Nothing fancy hiding in here.
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts – I usually grab thighs because they stay juicier and forgive you if you overcook them a little. But if you have chicken breasts, use those. It’ll still be good.
1 cup long-grain rice – Just regular white long-grain rice. Nothing instant. Nothing fancy. The plain stuff cooks best in this one-pan situation.
2 cups chicken broth – Please use broth instead of water if you can. It makes the rice taste like something instead of just… rice.
½ cup BBQ sauce – Whatever brand you already love. Sweet, smoky, spicy — this is where most of the personality comes from.
¼ cup honey – This is what makes it sticky and glossy and just slightly bold in that sweet BBQ way.
1 tsp garlic powder – Keeps things easy. No chopping.
1 tsp onion powder – Same idea. Simple flavor, no extra prep.
½ tsp smoked paprika – I really recommend smoked here. It gives that subtle backyard-grill vibe without actually grilling anything.
Salt and black pepper, to taste – Season the chicken well before it hits the pan. It matters.
1 cup mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen) – I usually use a frozen mix because it’s easy. Peas and carrots are classic. No need to overthink it.
Chopped green onions or parsley (optional) – Just for a little fresh finish on top. Not mandatory, but it makes it look like you tried harder.
How to Make It
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. You want something with a lid since this will all simmer together later.
Season the chicken on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Press the seasoning in a little so it sticks.
Place the chicken in the hot skillet and let it sear undisturbed for about 5 to 6 minutes per side. You’re looking for golden brown color. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked through yet — it’ll finish later with the rice.
While the chicken is searing, stir together the BBQ sauce and honey in a small bowl.
Once the chicken is golden, pour the honey BBQ mixture over the top. Turn the chicken so it’s coated evenly. It’ll start looking glossy right away.
Now add the rice directly into the skillet, followed by the chicken broth. Gently stir around the chicken to make sure the rice is mostly submerged in the liquid.
Bring everything to a light boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 18 to 20 minutes.
During the last five minutes of cooking, scatter the mixed vegetables over the top. Don’t stir them in — just let them steam on top while the rice finishes cooking.
Once the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, remove the lid. The chicken should be fully cooked and coated in a sticky honey BBQ glaze.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Spoon some of that saucy goodness over the chicken.
Top with chopped green onions or parsley if you want a little color.
Serve it warm, straight from the pan.
One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a light drizzle of oil.
- Season the chicken on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
- In a small bowl, combine the BBQ sauce and honey. Pour the mixture over the seared chicken, turning to coat evenly.
- Add the uncooked rice and chicken broth directly into the skillet. Gently stir to ensure the rice is submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- During the last 5 minutes of cooking, scatter the mixed vegetables over the top without stirring. Cover again and allow the vegetables to steam.
- Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
Helpful Tips
Use a pan with a tight-fitting lid. Steam is what cooks the rice evenly.
If your rice seems slightly underdone but the liquid is gone, add a small splash of broth, cover again, and cook for a few more minutes.
Don’t stir too much once the rice is added. You want it to cook evenly without turning mushy.
If you like a stronger BBQ flavor, brush a little extra sauce over the chicken right before serving.
And if you’re using chicken breasts, try not to overcook them during the searing step. They can dry out faster than thighs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can, but it will need more liquid and a longer cooking time. You’ll likely need about 10–15 extra minutes and a bit more broth.
Can I make honey BBQ chicken rice ahead of time?
Yes. It reheats well. Add a small splash of broth before reheating to keep the rice from drying out.
Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw the chicken first so it sears properly and cooks evenly.
What vegetables work best in this recipe?
Peas, carrots, corn, or even chopped bell peppers work nicely. Keep it simple.
Final Thoughts
One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice isn’t fancy. It’s not trying to be.
It’s sweet, smoky, comforting, and practical. The kind of dinner that feels a little special but doesn’t require a pile of dishes or an hour of prep.
It’s one pan. Real ingredients. Big flavor.
And sometimes that’s all I’m looking for at the end of the day.
