Name: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces; 1 ½ cups long grain white rice, rinsed; 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup BBQ sauce; 3 tablespoons honey; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)

Hey y'all! If you're searching for a dinner that’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters, look no further than this One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. With juicy chicken, sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, and fluffy, perfectly seasoned rice all cooked together, this dish brings together everything you love about comfort food—without the mountain of dirty dishes! Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxing Sunday, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen. Let’s get cooking!

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

Zero-fuss cleanup—everything cooks in a single pan.
Bold, sweet, and tangy flavors the whole family will love.
Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable with your favorite veggies or protein swaps.
Great for meal prep—leftovers taste just as amazing!

Ingredients for One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into large chunks
1 ½ cups long grain white rice, rinsed
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup honey BBQ sauce (your favorite brand; make your own!)
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Directions for Perfect One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet (with lid) or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken chunks, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside (they don’t need to be cooked through yet).

Step 2: Sauté Veggies

In the same pan, add onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor.

Step 3: Build the One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Add rinsed rice to the pan. Stir briefly to coat rice in the leftover oil and veggies. Pour in chicken broth, honey BBQ sauce, and honey; stir to combine. Nestle chicken pieces evenly on top.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook

Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid absorbed. (Avoid lifting the lid to keep steam in!)

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Turn off heat and let the pan rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes to allow steam to finish cooking the rice. Fluff rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot!

Notes for the Best One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, preventing a sticky texture (here's why).
Substitute chicken thighs for extra moisture—breasts work but may be less juicy.
If your pan isn’t ovenproof, simply use a large nonstick skillet with a tight lid.

Variations: Make One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Your Own

Southwest Style: Add a cup of canned black beans and corn to the pan before simmering.
Spicy Kick: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños with the BBQ sauce.
Veggie Boost: Add broccoli florets or frozen peas during the last 10 minutes of simmering.

Required Equipment for One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Large (3-4 quart) deep skillet or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid
Sharp knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula

Storage Instructions for One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Cool leftovers completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over rice, cover, and microwave until steaming. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months (thaw overnight in fridge before reheating).

Suggested Pairings and Serving Recommendations

Serve with a crisp green salad or classic coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
Pair with roasted vegetables like carrots or asparagus for a veggie-packed meal.
Tuck leftovers into a tortilla for a quick BBQ chicken rice wrap lunch!

Pro Tips for Incredible One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Don’t skip letting the rice rest after cooking to ensure it’s fluffy, not mushy (learn more).
If the rice looks dry before it’s fully cooked, add a splash of broth and continue simmering, covered.
For extra saucy rice, drizzle extra BBQ sauce over the top just before serving.

FAQ About One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Can I make this with brown rice?
Yes! Simply extend the simmering time to 40-45 minutes and add ½ cup more broth since brown rice requires a longer cook.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just use a certified gluten-free BBQ sauce and double-check all labels to ensure your ingredients are safe.
What veggies go best in this One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?
Onions, bell peppers, corn, peas, and even diced zucchini all work beautifully—get creative with what you have on hand!

Prep & Cooking Details

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Serves: 4-6

One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice