I’m all about simple dinners that pack a flavor punch—and this One‑Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice fits the bill perfectly. It brings together juicy, caramelized chicken, smoky-sweet BBQ sauce, and fluffy rice, all cooked in one skillet for an indulgent yet easy weeknight meal. One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love that this recipe is a one-pan wonder—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. It’s bold, satisfying, and hits the sweet-smoky-savory trifecta in every bite. Whether I’m meal-prepping or cooking for a crowd, this delivers comfort food vibes without the hassle.

ingredients

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

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 cup BBQ sauce (honey or smoky style)
½ onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups chicken broth (or water)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 tbsp honey or hot sauce for extra sweetness or heat

directions

I season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
I sear the chicken until golden brown, about 5–7 minutes, then remove it from the pan.
In the same skillet, I sauté the onion for 2–3 minutes, then add garlic and cook another minute.
I stir in the rice and let it toast for about a minute.
I pour in the chicken broth, scrape up any browned bits, then stir in the BBQ sauce.
I return the chicken to the pan, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
I fluff the rice and let the dish rest off heat for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

I use chicken thighs instead of breast for richer flavor and extra juiciness.
I swap in jasmine, basmati, or brown rice—just adjust the liquid and cooking time.
I toss in bell peppers, corn, or frozen peas during the last few minutes for added color and nutrients.
I spice things up with red pepper flakes or hot sauce, or use a smoky chipotle BBQ sauce for a deeper kick.

storage/reheating

Refrigerator: I store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: I freeze portions in sealed containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months.
Reheating: I reheat in the microwave with a splash of broth or water, or warm it gently on the stovetop. A little extra BBQ sauce helps bring the flavor back to life.

FAQs

How can I make this gluten-free?

I just make sure my BBQ sauce and chicken broth are certified gluten-free.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely—I add about ½ cup more liquid and increase the cooking time by 10–15 minutes.

What type of BBQ sauce works best?

I go with what I love—honey BBQ for sweetness, smoky for depth, or spicy for heat. Since it’s the star of the dish, I always choose one I enjoy.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes! I like adding chopped bell peppers, frozen peas, or corn in the last few minutes for extra flavor and texture.

Will this double easily?

Definitely. I use a larger skillet or Dutch oven and may need a couple extra minutes of cook time.

Conclusion

This One‑Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice has become one of my go‑to meals. It’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to throw together. Whether I’m feeding the family or just want leftovers for the week, it never disappoints