This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that brings together savory chicken, sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, and fluffy rice in one simple pan. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal when I’m craving something hearty and flavorful but don’t want to deal with a lot of cleanup. The combination of honey and BBQ sauce creates a perfect balance of sweet and smoky, and the rice soaks up all the tasty flavors as it cooks. It’s a complete meal that’ll leave me feeling satisfied and full.

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly simple, but packs a lot of flavor. With just one pan, I get a delicious and filling meal without having to dirty up a bunch of dishes. The honey BBQ sauce gives the chicken a wonderful sweetness, while the rice absorbs all the smoky, savory goodness. It’s a meal that’s hearty enough to feel like comfort food, but easy enough to make during a busy week. Plus, it’s great for meal prepping, as the flavors only get better after sitting in the fridge for a day or two!

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup rice (long-grain or jasmine works well)
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
In a separate bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce and honey until well combined. Pour the mixture into the skillet with the rice.
Add the chicken broth to the skillet and stir everything together. Place the chicken breasts back on top of the rice, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and tender.
Once the rice is done, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before serving. Slice the chicken and serve it over the rice, garnished with fresh parsley.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Spicy BBQ Version: Add some hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the BBQ sauce and honey mixture for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. Simply cook it the same way, seasoning it with your favorite spices.
Veggie Additions: Feel free to add some vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or peas to the skillet when cooking the rice for extra color and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or in a skillet over low heat until heated through. If needed, add a splash of chicken broth to bring the rice back to life.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but the cooking time will be longer. Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly, and you may need to adjust the amount of chicken broth for the extra cooking time.

Can I make this recipe with brown rice?

Yes, you can swap white rice for brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice generally takes longer to cook, so you might need to add more liquid and extend the simmering time.

Is it necessary to use honey in this recipe?

While honey adds a wonderful sweetness and balances the tangy BBQ sauce, you can replace it with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor, or omit it altogether if you prefer a more savory dish.

Can I make this recipe in advance for meal prep?

Definitely! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. I like to make it ahead of time and store it in individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

What can I serve with this dish?

This dish is hearty on its own, but I like to pair it with a side of steamed veggies, a fresh salad, or even some crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a total winner when it comes to easy, flavorful meals. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s a great choice for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or just when I want a tasty comfort food fix. The sweet and smoky BBQ sauce combined with tender chicken and fluffy rice makes this dish something I’ll definitely keep coming back to.