One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

One-Pan 🐐 Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a sweet-and-spicy honey BBQ sauce—all cooked together in one pan for minimal cleanup. Packed with bold flavors and comforting textures, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something satisfying yet easy to make. With its sticky, caramelized chicken and perfectly cooked rice, it’s a complete meal in one dish!

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and fuss-free dish step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Wonder : Minimal cleanup—everything cooks together in a single skillet.
2. Bold Flavors : Sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy honey BBQ sauce elevates the dish.
3. Customizable : Adjust spice levels or add veggies for extra nutrition.
4. Quick & Easy : Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry staples.
5. Family-Friendly : A hit with kids and adults alike—perfect for picky eaters.

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts , diced into bite-sized cubes
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade )
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor )
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat )
• Salt and pepper , to taste
• Chopped green onions or parsley , for garnish (optional )

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

1. Dice the chicken into bite-sized cubes and season lightly with salt and pepper .
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey , BBQ sauce , garlic powder , onion powder , smoked paprika , and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced chicken to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes , stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

1. In the same skillet, add the long-grain rice and toast it for 1–2 minutes , stirring frequently, until lightly fragrant.
2. Pour in the chicken broth , scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Stir in the honey BBQ sauce mixture and return the seared chicken to the skillet. Stir gently to combine.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15–18 minutes , or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid while it simmers to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
3. Serve hot and enjoy the bold, comforting flavors of this one-pan wonder!

Tips for Success

1. Use Homemade BBQ Sauce : For an extra punch of flavor, whip up your own BBQ sauce with ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices.
2. Add Veggies : Stir in diced bell peppers, carrots, or peas along with the rice for added nutrition and color.
3. Spice It Up : Increase the red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha on top for extra heat.
4. Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days . Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist.
5. Freeze for Later : Freeze portions of the dish (without garnish) for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Perfect Pairings

This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed Vegetables : Serve with broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a balanced meal.
• Garlic Bread : Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
• Side Salad : A crisp green salad or Caesar salad adds a refreshing contrast.
• Hot Sauce or Sriracha : Add a dash for those who like a little extra kick.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

(Based on 4 servings)

• Calories : ~400 kcal
• Protein : ~25g
• Carbohydrates : ~50g
• Fat : ~10g
• Fiber : ~2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and sticky-sweet honey BBQ sauce creates a meal that’s both comforting and packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re feeding your family, meal prepping, or just craving something hearty, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the spices, add veggies, or experiment with different proteins to make it your own. So grab your skillet, toss in those ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as easy to love as it is to make.