One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Name: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked); 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth; ½ cup honey BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Posted on May 13, 2025

Dinner

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Looking for an easy dinner that tastes like a weekend treat but only takes one pan? Say hello to One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice — the ultimate comfort food with a sweet and smoky twist! Juicy chicken, tender rice, and rich honey BBQ flavor all come together in one skillet for a meal that’s as cozy as it is convenient. Whether you’re short on time or just don’t want a sink full of dishes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

This dish checks all the boxes: it’s quick, budget-friendly, and absolutely delicious. The honey BBQ sauce adds a sweet and tangy kick, while the rice soaks up all that savory goodness — no bland bites here! Plus, it’s all made in one pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to relax. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a total win. Even picky eaters will be asking for seconds!

Ingredients

You don’t need anything fancy — just simple, pantry-friendly items to make this delicious one-pan meal come together.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup honey BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

This one-pan recipe comes together in just a few easy steps — no special techniques, just everyday cooking made simple.

Step-by-step directions:

Heat the pan: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Cook the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides (about 5–6 minutes). The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet.
Add the sauce and rice: Stir in the honey BBQ sauce, uncooked rice, and chicken broth. Mix well to combine everything evenly.
Simmer and cover: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Optional veggies: If using frozen peas and carrots, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Fluff and serve: Once done, fluff the rice with a fork, sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions, and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe is perfect for when you need something hearty on the table — fast. Whether it’s a family dinner or your weekly meal prep, it’s got you covered.

Servings:

Makes 4 generous servings (or 3 very hungry ones!)

Timing:

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

Tips and Variations

Want to mix it up? This one-pan wonder is super flexible — here’s how to make it your own:

Tips:

Use leftover chicken: Got cooked rotisserie chicken? Just skip step 3 and add it in with the BBQ sauce and rice.
Don’t lift the lid! Keeping the pan covered while simmering ensures the rice cooks evenly.
Adjust sweetness: If your BBQ sauce is too sweet, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of chili flakes to balance the flavor.

Variations:

Spicy kick: Stir in a teaspoon of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños for heat lovers.
Cheesy twist: Top with shredded cheddar during the last 2 minutes of cooking for a melty, cheesy finish.
Low-carb version: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice — just reduce the broth and cooking time.

Storage

Leftovers? No problem! This dish stores like a dream and reheats beautifully.

How to Store:

Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How to Reheat:

Microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes, or until heated through.
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen up the rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but increase the liquid to 2 cups and the cooking time to about 40–45 minutes. Keep the pan covered!

2. What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
Any honey BBQ sauce works, but you can also mix your favorite BBQ sauce with 1–2 tablespoons of honey for a custom flavor.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for canned chickpeas or tofu and use veggie broth.

4. Can I cook this in the oven?
Yes! Combine all ingredients in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 35–40 minutes.

5. What if I don’t have frozen veggies?
No problem — just skip them or toss in fresh diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

6. Can I double the recipe?
Totally! Just use a larger pan or Dutch oven and adjust the cooking time as needed (the rice may take a few extra minutes).

7. How do I know when the rice is fully cooked?
The rice should be tender and all the liquid should be absorbed. If it’s still firm, add a splash of broth and simmer a few more minutes.

Conclusion

And that’s it — your new go-to weeknight dinner is ready to shine! This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is the perfect combo of easy, tasty, and satisfying. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both busy nights and casual gatherings.

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One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Why You’ll Love One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice