One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Update : February 1, 2026

One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice served on a plate with fresh herbs

Why Make This Recipe

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a fantastic meal for busy weeknights. It combines delicious chicken, savory rice, and sweet barbecue sauce all in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze. This dish is simple to prepare and packed with flavor, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

How to Make One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup BBQ sauce
¼ cup honey
1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a large skillet over medium heat, sear seasoned chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until browned.
Whisk together BBQ sauce and honey in a small bowl; pour over the chicken.
Add rice and chicken broth; stir to combine.
Bring to a simmer; cover and cook on low for about 20 minutes until rice is tender.
During the last 5 minutes of cooking, add mixed vegetables on top to steam.
Let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing rice with a fork and serving.

How to Serve One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

You can serve this dish straight from the pan for a casual dinner. It pairs well with slices of fresh bread or a simple side salad. Add extra BBQ sauce on the side for those who love an extra kick of flavor.

How to Store One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Tips to Make One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Make sure your chicken is well-seasoned before searing for the best flavor.
For added texture, try using different mixed vegetables, such as bell peppers or broccoli.
If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mix.

Variation

You can easily substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option. Also, feel free to swap the long-grain rice for brown rice or another grain you prefer, adjusting cooking time as needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it first for even cooking.

2. Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, other types of rice can work, but you may need to adjust the amount of liquid and cooking time.

3. How can I make this dish in advance?
You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and reheat when you’re ready to serve.