One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice: A Delicious Delight

Craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor and requires minimal cleanup? Look no further than the delicious One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. This comforting meal combines tender chicken with the sweet and tangy goodness of honey BBQ sauce, all nestled on a bed of fluffy rice.
Not only is it simple to prepare, but the one-pan aspect ensures you’ll spend less time scrubbing pots and more enjoying your culinary creation.
Moreover, this mouthwatering meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, enticing family members with its aromatic allure. With each bite, you’ll savor the harmonious blend of tastes, making it an unforgettable addition to your dinner repertoire.
Switch up your routine with this delightful One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice and watch as it quickly becomes a family favorite!
Ingredients
To whip up this delicious One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, gather the following ingredients:
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Boneless, skinless chicken breast/thighs | 1 lb |
Long-grain white rice | 1 cup |
Honey or smoky-style BBQ sauce | 1 cup |
Onion | 1/2 medium |
Garlic cloves | 2 |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Chicken broth (or water) | 2 cups |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
Honey or hot sauce (optional) | 1 tablespoon |
For a delightful variation, check out my honey garlic shrimp recipe, perfect for a sweet twist! Cover and simmer until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
How to prepare
Step 1 – Heat the pan:
Place a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it warm until shimmering.
Step 2 – Cook the chicken:
Add 1 lb diced boneless, skinless chicken (breast or thighs) to the skillet. Season generously with salt and pepper. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are golden brown on the outside.
Step 3 – Add aromatics:
Stir in ½ chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant (avoid burning the garlic).
Step 4 – Add the BBQ sauce:
Pour in 1 cup of BBQ sauce (honey-style for sweet or smoky-style for a deeper flavor). Stir well so the chicken and aromatics are fully coated.
Step 5 – Add the rice:
Mix in 1 cup long-grain white rice. Stir for about 1 minute, allowing the rice to absorb some of the sauce and flavors.
Step 6 – Add liquid:
Slowly pour in 2 cups chicken broth (or water). Stir gently to make sure the rice is evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid.
Step 7 – Simmer:
Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes. Do not lift the lid while it cooks—this helps the rice steam properly.
Step 8 – Finish with flavor (optional):
After the rice has absorbed all the liquid and turned fluffy, taste the dish. If you’d like, stir in 1 tablespoon of honey (for extra sweetness) or 1 tablespoon hot sauce (for a spicy kick).
Step 9 – Serve:
Fluff the rice with a fork, making sure the chicken and rice are evenly combined. Serve warm, straight from the pan, and enjoy the bold, sweet, and smoky flavors.
If you enjoy easy and flavorful meals, check out this One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe for more culinary inspiration!
Cooking Tips for Perfect One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
To achieve the best One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, begin with quality ingredients. Opt for fresh chicken, as it absorbs the marinade better. Ensuring you marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor depth.
When cooking, sauté the chicken until browned, but don’t fully cook it—this prevents dryness later. Next, incorporate the rice and the sauce simultaneously, allowing the grains to absorb the flavors of the honey BBQ blend.
For an added burst of flavor, consider including veggies. Bell peppers and onions not only complement the dish but also add texture. If you’re looking for another delicious chicken dish, check out this honey garlic chicken bites recipe for a flavorful twist.
Finally, for a visual guide on preparing similar one-pan meals, visit this BBQ Chicken, Veggies, and Rice Skillet. Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor the flavors of this easy, scrumptious meal!
Serving Suggestions
Idea | Description |
---|---|
Fresh Garden Salad | Adds crisp, refreshing vegetables to balance the rich honey BBQ flavors. |
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad | Tangy dressing complements the sweetness; grilled chicken provides extra protein. |
Grilled Corn | Smoky flavor from the grill enhances the dish’s overall taste. |
Homemade Garlic Bread | Adds a comforting, savory side that pairs perfectly with the sweet and smoky chicken rice. |
Garnish | Top with chopped green onions or parsley for color, freshness, and improved presentation. |
Storage Tips for One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Cool before storing: Let the One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice cool to room temperature after serving.
- Refrigeration: Transfer leftovers into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Freezing option: Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.
- Thawing: When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: Reheat thoroughly on the stove or in the microwave until hot all the way through.
For another delicious chicken dish, check out my recipe for Greek Sheet Pan Chicken. This recipe also stores well and offers a different flavor profile to keep your meals exciting!
Nutritional Information
This savory meal packs a flavorful punch while remaining balanced. Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, with 20 grams of protein and 10 grams of fat. As a wholesome choice, its combination of carbs and proteins provides sustained energy. For another delicious chicken recipe, explore our Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken. It’s equally nutritious and easy to prepare!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What ingredients are needed for One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?
To create this flavorful dish, you’ll need chicken pieces, honey, BBQ sauce, rice, vegetables like bell peppers and onions, and chicken broth. The blend of sweet and savory flavors truly brings this one-pan meal to life.
How long does it take to prepare One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?
This delicious dish can be ready in about 40 minutes. With everything cooked in a single pan, you can enjoy a home-cooked meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.
Can I substitute the chicken in the recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap chicken for other proteins like tofu or shrimp. For a similar flavor profile, consider trying out the honey garlic shrimp from our collection.
Is the rice pre-cooked or does it cook with the chicken?
The rice cooks alongside the chicken, absorbing all the yummy flavors from the honey BBQ sauce and other ingredients, resulting in a flavorful, complete meal.

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A bold, comforting One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and smoky-sweet flavors. Easy weeknight dinner ready in under 40 minutes, with minimal cleanup!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (diced)
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 cup honey or smoky-style BBQ sauce
½ medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups chicken broth (or water)
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Flavor Boosters:
1 tbsp honey (extra sweetness)
1 tbsp hot sauce (spicy kick)
1 bell pepper, diced (optional veggie addition)
Instructions
- Step 1 – Heat the Pan:
Warm 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat until shimmering. - Step 2 – Cook the Chicken:
Add diced chicken, season with salt & pepper, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until golden brown. - Step 3 – Add Aromatics:
Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant. - Step 4 – Stir in BBQ Sauce:
Pour in 1 cup BBQ sauce. Mix well so the chicken and aromatics are fully coated. - Step 5 – Add Rice:
Mix in 1 cup rice and stir for 1 minute, letting it soak up the flavors. - Step 6 – Add Liquid:
Pour in 2 cups broth. Stir gently to distribute rice evenly. - Step 7 – Simmer:
Bring to a boil, then reduce to low. Cover tightly and simmer 18–20 minutes without lifting the lid. - Step 8 – Finish with Flavor (Optional):
Once rice is fluffy and liquid absorbed, stir in honey for sweetness or hot sauce for spice. - Step 9 – Serve:
Fluff with a fork, garnish with green onions or parsley, and serve hot straight from the pan.
Notes
Use fresh chicken for the best flavor absorption.
Don’t overcook chicken in Step 2—it will finish cooking with the rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove-top
- Cuisine: Mexican-Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup pasta with sauce
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: enchilada pasta, Mexican pasta recipe, cheesy pasta dinner, quick weeknight meal, one-pot pasta, family dinner recipe