Name: Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup long grain white rice; 1 and ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth; ½ cup honey BBQ sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Hey y'all! If you're searching for a simple dinner that packs a punch of flavor and requires minimal cleanup, you're in the right place. This Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is sweet, smoky, and savory—all in one bite. It's perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or even meal prep for the week ahead. Imagine juicy chicken, tender rice, and tangy honey BBQ sauce dancing together in one skillet. YUM! Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

One-pan magic means fewer dishes and easy cleanup.
Honey BBQ flavor twists every bite into a mouthwatering delight.
Cooks in under an hour with just 10 minutes of prep time.
Using pantry staples makes this recipe budget-friendly.
Perfect make-ahead meal for busy families or meal prep enthusiasts.

Ingredients for Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup honey BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped, for garnish

Directions: How to Make Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

1. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
Add chicken cubes, season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly golden (chicken will finish cooking with the rice).

2. Add Rice and Liquids

Stir in the rinsed rice, chicken broth, honey BBQ sauce, and honey, mixing well until everything is combined.
Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
Cover and let it cook for 20 minutes.

3. Stir in Veggies (Optional) & Finish Cooking

If using, quickly stir in frozen peas and carrots, re-cover, and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Fluff with a fork and check that chicken is cooked through (internal temp should reach 165˚F/74˚C).

4. Garnish & Serve

Remove pan from heat. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve hot, family-style, and soak up all the compliments!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Notes & Helpful Tips for Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

Let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes off the heat – this helps it finish steaming and become fluffy.
For a different BBQ flavor, try a regional BBQ sauce style.
If your rice isn’t quite tender after cooking, add a splash more broth and simmer for a few more minutes.

Variations on Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

Spicy Kick: Stir in a tablespoon of hot sauce or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the top in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Veggie Boost: Fold in bell peppers, corn, or baby spinach for added color and nutrition.

Required Equipment for Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

Large, deep skillet or sauté pan with a tight-fitting lid
Measuring cups and spoons
Sharp knife and cutting board
Wooden spoon or spatula

Storage Instructions for Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. For freezing, store portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.
Add dinner rolls, garlic bread, or cornbread for some extra comfort.
Serve with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade.

Pro Tips for the Best Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

Make sure to rinse your rice to remove excess starch and guarantee fluffier grains (learn more here).
Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Don’t lift the lid during cooking—steam is key for perfectly tender rice and chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

Can I use brown rice instead of white?: Yes, but increase the broth to 2.5 cups and the cook time by 10–15 minutes, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?: Absolutely—this recipe is naturally dairy-free as written!

Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice