Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the tantalizing aroma of honey BBQ filled the air, transporting me straight to a backyard cookout on a warm summer evening. That’s the magic of this One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice—a dish that wraps juicy chicken and fluffy rice in a sweet, sticky glaze, all in one pan. Perfect for those busy weeknights, it’s not just quick and easy, but also a comforting meal that requires minimal cleanup. With every bite, you’ll savor the delightful combination of flavors, whether you’re using chicken thighs for extra juiciness or customizing with fresh vegetables. Get ready to create a delicious dinner that will leave hearts—and stomachs—happy. Ready to dive into this culinary adventure? Let’s get cooking! Why is This Recipe So Special? Simplicity at Its Best: With just one pan, this recipe simplifies your cooking process, making it perfect for busy nights. Flavor Explosion: Sweet honey BBQ sauce combined with juicy chicken creates a taste sensation that will have your taste buds dancing. Customizable Goodness: Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies like bell peppers or peas, making it a versatile dish that suits any palate. Minimal Cleanup: Spend less time washing dishes since everything cooks together in a single pan, allowing you more time to enjoy your meal. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: This comforting dish is sure to impress family and friends alike; pair it with a side of crunchy coleslaw or warm buttery bread for a perfect feast. Meal Prep Friendly: It holds up beautifully as leftovers, making it ideal for meal prep—they won’t even know they’re eating ‘leftovers’! Try serving it alongside a Thai Chicken Salad for a refreshing contrast. One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Ingredients For the Chicken • Chicken (breast or thighs) – Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for a leaner option. For the Cooking Base • Olive Oil – This adds essential fat for a golden, crispy sear on the chicken. • Onion – Provides sweetness and depth; swap with shallots for a milder taste. • Garlic – Enhances the overall flavor; feel free to skip if you’re garlic-sensitive. For the Rice • Rice (white or brown) – Acts as the fluffy base that absorbs the delicious honey BBQ flavors; brown rice may need additional liquid and cooking time. • Chicken Broth or Water – Using broth will elevate the dish with added flavor. For the Flavor • BBQ Sauce (honey BBQ or your choice) – Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for the perfect balance of sweetness and tang; honey BBQ works wonderfully in this One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Begin by cutting the chicken into bite-sized cubes and patting it dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a golden sear. Season the pieces generously with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or smoked paprika for added flavor. Set the seasoned chicken aside while you prepare the pan. Step 2: Sear the Chicken Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once shimmering, add your chicken cubes to the pan in a single layer. Sear them for about 5–7 minutes until they turn golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally for even cooking. Once ready, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add more olive oil if needed. Introduce the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes softened and translucent. Follow with minced garlic, sautéing for an additional minute until fragrant. This builds a savory base for your One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. Step 4: Toast the Rice Add the rice to the skillet with the cooked onions and garlic, stirring well to coat the grains with the oil and flavor. Allow the rice to toast briefly for about 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently. This step enhances the nutty flavor of the rice, setting the tone for the final dish. Step 5: Simmer with Broth Pour in chicken broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. As it heats, use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, adding depth to the flavor. Ensure the broth covers the rice completely, then allow it to simmer for roughly 2–3 minutes. Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce Return the seared chicken to the skillet, and stir in your choice of BBQ sauce, ensuring that each piece of chicken is well-coated. Bring the mixture back to a simmer, then cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Cook on low heat for 18–20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. Step 7: Fluff and Serve Once cooking is complete, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, allowing any steam to evaporate. For extra caramelization, consider broiling it briefly with a drizzle of BBQ sauce. Your One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is now ready to delight your family! How to Store and Freeze One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth for moisture. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of water or broth to prevent drying out. Stir in additional BBQ sauce for revived flavor if desired. Make-Ahead Tips: This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is perfect for meal prep; simply prepare in advance and store for quick dinners throughout the week. What to Serve with One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice? This dish serves up a symphony of flavors and textures, making it a perfect centerpiece for a delightful family meal. Crunchy Coleslaw: A refreshing contrast, crisp coleslaw adds a delightful crunch and balances the sweetness of the BBQ glaze. Garlic Bread: The warm, buttery goodness of garlic bread is perfect for mopping up the sticky sauce, adding a cozy, comforting touch. Roasted Vegetables: Earthy roasted veggies like carrots and zucchini complement the sweetness of the chicken while providing a healthful, colorful element. Corn on the Cob: Sweet, tender corn brings a burst of flavor and a fun, finger-licking component to your meal—ideal for summer BBQ vibes. Pickles or Jalapeños: A tangy punch from pickles or spicy jalapeños can elevate the dish, adding a zesty contrast to the rich honey BBQ flavors. Apple Crisp: To end on a sweet note, a warm apple crisp or pie brings homey warmth and balances the savory dish with luscious sweetness. Sweet Tea or Lemonade: Serve alongside a cool glass of sweet tea or refreshing lemonade to complement the flavors beautifully and keep the gathering lively. Expert Tips for One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Pat Your Chicken Dry: This crucial step ensures a better sear, enhancing flavor and texture. Moist chicken won’t brown as well, so use paper towels! Low and Slow Simmering: Maintain a low heat during cooking to prevent the rice from burning. This method allows the rice to absorb all those delicious flavors effectively. Use a Tight Lid: A snug-fitting lid is essential for proper steaming. This sets up the perfect environment for the rice to cook evenly and thoroughly. Mix in Some Veggies: Add vegetables like bell peppers or peas in the final minutes of cooking for a pop of color and added nutrition in your One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. Reheat with Care: If you have leftovers, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to retain moisture, ensuring it stays delightful. One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Variations Feel free to personalize this recipe and make it your own with these delicious twists! Veggie Boost: Add chopped bell peppers, peas, or spinach in the last few minutes of cooking for a vibrant and nutritious touch. These colorful veggies not only enhance flavor but also create a visual feast. Spice It Up: For those who crave a little heat, blend in chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce before serving. This will elevate your dish with a spicy kick, perfect for adventurous palates. Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the soy sauce in your BBQ for a gluten-free equivalent. You can also use brown rice to make this meal even heartier without sacrificing taste. Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika as a seasoning for your chicken to introduce a rich smoky element. Just a sprinkle can take your dish to a whole new realm of flavor. Different BBQ Sauces: Experiment with various BBQ sauces like teriyaki or spicy chipotle for a unique twist on sweetness and tang. Each type brings its own character, giving you endless ways to enjoy this dish. Creamy Addition: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream at the end for a rich, creamy texture that balances out the sweetness of the BBQ sauce. This creates a new layer of flavor that’s utterly delightful. Protein Variations: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein profile. These options also cook well in this one-pan method, making it easy to accommodate dietary preferences or leftover ingredients. Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can elevate your dish—just sprinkle some on before serving. The fresh aroma will contrast beautifully with the rich BBQ flavors, adding brightness to each bite. Why not pair this One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice with a crunchy coleslaw or serve it alongside a refreshing Thai Chicken Salad for a complete meal? Enjoy your flavorful creations, and let your kitchen be your canvas! Make Ahead Options These One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during their week! You can prepare the chicken and season it up to 24 hours in advance by marinating it in your favorite BBQ sauce; this enhances the flavors significantly. Additionally, you can chop the onions and garlic, refrigerating them separately until you’re ready to cook. When it’s time to enjoy your dish, simply sear the marinated chicken, sauté the aromatics, toast the rice, and follow the usual cooking instructions. This method ensures your meal remains just as delicious and helps you enjoy a comforting dinner with minimal fuss on weeknights! One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right chicken for this recipe? Absolutely! You can use either chicken thighs or breasts based on your preference. Chicken thighs provide more juiciness and flavor, while breasts are leaner and healthier. If you choose breasts, make sure not to overcook them as they can dry out more easily. What’s the best way to store leftovers of One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice? For optimal freshness, store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist. Can I freeze this dish for later? Yes! For freezing, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it on the stove over low heat, adding some broth to avoid drying out. What if my rice turns out too gummy? Very! If your rice is gummy, it may be due to excess moisture or overcooking. To prevent this in the future, ensure that you’re using the correct ratio of liquid to rice (typically 2 cups of liquid for 1 cup of rice) and keep the simmer low. Stirring the rice at the beginning can also help separate the grains. Are there any dietary restrictions I should be aware of when making this recipe? Great question! This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice contains chicken and wheat (in the rice). If you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities, consider using gluten-free BBQ sauce or cauliflower rice as a substitution for regular rice. Always double-check your sauce ingredients for potential allergens! Can I customize this recipe with vegetables? Absolutely! This dish is quite versatile. You can add in vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach during the last few minutes of the cooking time. This not only enhances the nutritional value but also adds colorful pops of flavor! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re using heartier vegetables. One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice for Effortless Comfort One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a comforting dish that combines juicy chicken and fluffy rice in a sweet, sticky glaze, ideal for busy weeknights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsResting Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 50 minutes mins Servings: 4 peopleCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken1 lb Chicken thighs or breasts Thighs for extra juiciness preferred.For the Cooking Base2 tbsp Olive Oil For searing the chicken.1 medium Onion Chopped; swap with shallots for milder taste.2 cloves Garlic Minced; can be skipped if garlic-sensitive.For the Rice1 cup Rice White or brown rice, adjust liquid and time for brown rice.2 cups Chicken Broth or Water Broth recommended for more flavor.For the Flavor1 cup BBQ Sauce Honey BBQ or your favorite. Equipment Large skillet Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPrepare the chicken by cutting it into bite-sized cubes and patting dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices.Sear the chicken in a heated skillet with olive oil for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.Sauté onion in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes, then add garlic and cook for an additional minute.Toast the rice by stirring it into the skillet with the onion and garlic for 1-2 minutes.Add chicken broth or water to the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping any browned bits off the bottom.Combine the chicken back into the skillet and stir in BBQ sauce; cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.Let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Optionally broil briefly with BBQ sauce for extra caramelization. Nutrition Serving: 1plateCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg NotesThis dish is perfect for meal prep and reheating; leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
