One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
Introduction
This one-pan bold honey BBQ chicken rice is a flavorful and easy weeknight meal that combines tender chicken, sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, and perfectly cooked rice all in one skillet. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a comforting dish that delivers big taste with minimal effort.

Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until browned.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey. Pour the mixture over the browned chicken in the skillet.
- Step 3: Add the rice and chicken broth to the skillet and stir everything to combine evenly.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Step 5: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, scatter the mixed vegetables over the top of the rice to steam.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and let the dish sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the BBQ and honey mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use brown rice instead of long-grain rice, but increase the simmering time to about 40 minutes and add more broth as needed.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a spicy kick to balance the sweetness of the honey BBQ sauce.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well; just be careful not to overcook as they can dry out faster than thighs.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can partially cook the chicken and rice separately, then combine and finish cooking together when ready to serve for fresher texture.
PrintOne-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
A flavorful and easy one-pan recipe combining juicy honey BBQ chicken with tender rice and vegetables, cooked together for a comforting, bold meal in just 40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice and Sauce
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey
Vegetables
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
Instructions
- Season and sear the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, sprinkle the chicken thighs or breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until browned and fragrant.
- Prepare the honey BBQ sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey until smoothly combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the seared chicken in the skillet.
- Add rice and broth: Pour the uncooked long-grain rice into the skillet, followed by the chicken broth. Stir gently to combine everything, ensuring the rice is submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer and cook: Bring the skillet mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the broth and is tender.
- Add vegetables to steam: In the final 5 minutes of cooking, spread the mixed vegetables evenly over the rice and chicken. Cover and allow the vegetables to steam until just cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. Portion out the chicken, rice, and vegetables evenly onto plates and enjoy your bold honey BBQ chicken rice meal.
Notes
- For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier meat, but breasts work well too.
- You can substitute mixed vegetables with your favorites or seasonal fresh veggies.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.
- Ensure the skillet has a tight-fitting lid to properly steam the rice and vegetables.
- This dish can be doubled easily by using a larger skillet or pan.
Keywords: honey BBQ chicken, one-pan recipe, chicken and rice, easy dinner, skillet meal, comfort food

