Name: One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487104H22M19S
Total time: PT-487104H22M19S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 cup BBQ sauce (honey or smoky style); 1/2 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cups chicken broth (or water); Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: honey or hot sauce for extra sweetness or heat

I love easy weeknight dinners, and this one-pan BBQ chicken rice hits the mark. Juicy chicken bites, smoky-sweet sauce, and perfectly cooked rice all come together in a single skillet with minimal cleanup. One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’ll tell you why this recipe is a keeper:

One-pan simplicity means less cleanup and more flavor in one skillet.
Bold, balanced flavor gives me a mix of sweet, smoky, and savory in every bite.
It’s kid-friendly and adaptable, and I can switch proteins, sauce, or rice type and it always works.
It’s perfect for meal prep since it keeps well and reheats beautifully.

ingredients

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

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

directions

I dice the chicken and season it with salt and pepper (and sometimes paprika or garlic powder).
In a hot skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat, I brown the chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden, then set it aside.
In the same pan, I cook the onion for 2–3 minutes, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
I stir in the rice, then pour in the broth, bringing it to a simmer while scraping up any browned bits.
I return the chicken to the pan, add the BBQ sauce, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Once done, I fluff the rice, turn off the heat, and let it sit for a few minutes. I sometimes drizzle extra BBQ sauce or give it a quick broil for an extra glaze.

Servings and timing

Makes 4 servings.
Total time: 35–40 minutes (about 10 minutes prep, 25–30 minutes cooking).

Variations

I use jasmine, basmati, or brown rice (brown rice needs extra liquid and 10-15 more minutes of cooking).
I sometimes swap in ground chicken, turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken.
I try different BBQ sauces like smoky chipotle or spicy versions.
I like adding bell peppers, corn, or frozen peas for extra color and nutrition.
For heat, I add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
I freeze portions for up to 2 months.
To reheat, I use the microwave with a splash of water or broth, or reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring until warmed. I might add a little more BBQ sauce to freshen it up.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

I can, but I increase the broth by about 1/2 cup and cook it 10–15 minutes longer.

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?

I pick one I love—usually honey BBQ for sweetness or smoky for extra depth. The sauce defines the flavor, so I go with my favorite.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely. I add bell peppers, corn, or peas near the end of the cooking time so they don’t overcook.

Is this dish spicy?

Not unless I make it that way. I control the spice with the sauce I choose and can add chili flakes or hot sauce if I want more heat.

What kind of pan should I use?

I like using a deep skillet or a non-stick sauté pan with a lid. It keeps everything contained and cooks evenly.

Conclusion

I love this One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice because it’s simple, flavorful, and flexible. Whether I’m cooking for one or meal prepping for the week, it always delivers. It’s easy, satisfying, and packed with flavor—just the way I like it.