Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood over the stove, the savory aroma of searing chicken mingling with the sweet-s smoky hint of BBQ sauce wafted through my kitchen, transporting me to summer barbecues long forgotten. This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice captures that nostalgic comfort, effortlessly blending juicy chicken and fluffy rice in a glossy honey glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is not just easy to whip up; it also minimizes cleanup with its one-pan approach. Plus, the smoky-sweet flavor will impress even the pickiest eaters, making it a surefire crowd-pleaser. Are you ready to bring a taste of those sunny grill days into your home, no matter the season? Why is this One-Pan Recipe a Must-Try? Simplicity at Its Best: This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice comes together in just one skillet, meaning less cleanup for you! Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet and smoky BBQ sauce with juicy chicken creates an unforgettable taste that will leave your family cheering for seconds. Versatile Ingredients: Use whatever chicken parts you have on hand or switch to a vegetarian option with firm tofu for a delightful twist. Time-Saving Meal: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal without the fuss. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Even picky eaters will love this recipe’s comforting homey flavors, making it the perfect choice for family dinners. For more savory chicken ideas, check out my recipe for Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas or Huli Huli Chicken for a true feast! One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Ingredients For the Chicken Chicken (breasts or thighs) – Main protein source providing richness and substance. Substitution: Firm tofu can be used for a vegetarian option. For the Seasoning Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings enhancing flavor. Note: Always adjust to taste. Olive Oil – Fat for cooking chicken and sautéing aromatics. Substitution: Can use vegetable oil if desired. For the Aromatics Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the dish. Substitution: Shallots can be used for a milder flavor. Garlic – Provides aromatic flavor enhancement. Note: Use fresh for best results. For the Base Rice (uncooked) – Acts as the base, absorbing flavors from broth and sauce. Substitution: Quinoa can be used for a gluten-free option. Chicken Broth – Liquid providing flavor and moisture for cooking rice. Substitution: Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian dish. For the Glaze BBQ Sauce – Main flavor component, giving sweetness and smokiness. Note: Choose your favorite brand or make a homemade version for better control over flavors. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Step 1: Prep Chicken Begin by cutting your chicken (breasts or thighs) into small, even cubes, ensuring uniform cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then generously season it with salt and pepper, adding flavor and enhancing juiciness. This prep is crucial for achieving that tender, delicious finish in your One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. Step 2: Sear Chicken Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken cubes in a single layer. Sear them for about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside, keeping all those flavorful bits in the pan. Step 3: Sauté Aromatics In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, enhancing its sweetness. Next, stir in minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute, until you can smell its aromatic fragrance. This step builds a wonderful base for your One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. Step 4: Toast Rice Add 1 cup of uncooked rice directly into the skillet, stirring it to coat with the oil and aromatics. Toast the rice for about 1 minute, allowing it to soak in the flavors from the pan. This step adds a nutty depth to your dish and prepares the rice for absorbing the liquid later on in the One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. Step 5: Add Liquid & Sauce Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate all those delicious brown bits. Then, mix in your favorite BBQ sauce, stirring well to combine. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s nestled among the rice and liquid, ready to soak up all those tasty flavors as it cooks. Step 6: Simmer Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. This gentle simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully in your One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. Step 7: Fluff and Finish Once the cooking time is up, uncover the skillet and gently fluff the rice with a fork, allowing it to rest for 5 minutes. For an extra touch of richness, drizzle additional BBQ sauce on top or place the skillet under the broiler for a brief caramelized finish. This final step brings everything together for a perfect, comforting meal! How to Store and Freeze One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Fridge: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. This keeps your One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice fresh, allowing you to savor those delicious flavors later. Freezer: Portion the chicken rice into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. This makes meal prep a breeze for busy weeks ahead! Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then microwave or warm on the stovetop until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water to keep the rice from drying out. Avoid Refreezing: It’s best not to refreeze once thawed to preserve the texture and flavor of your One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. What to Serve with One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice As you savor each bite of this smoky-sweet delight, consider rounding out your dinner with a few complementary sides that will elevate your dining experience. Creamy Coleslaw: The crisp, fresh crunch of coleslaw perfectly balances the rich, sticky chicken, adding a refreshing contrast to your plate. Garlic Bread: Soft and buttery, the garlic bread offers a delightful textural contrast, perfect for mopping up any leftover glaze. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned and caramelized, roasted veggies bring a vibrant pop of color and healthy nutrients, enhancing the meal’s overall appeal. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky, the grilled corn echoes the BBQ flavors beautifully while adding a fun, summery twist to the spread. Cilantro Lime Rice: With its zesty notes, cilantro lime rice complements the honey BBQ chicken, offering a delightful freshness that keeps the palate engaged. Melon Salad: A refreshing melon salad drizzled with lime provides a juicy, sweet contrast to the savory dish, lightening up the meal. Iced Tea: A cool glass of sweetened iced tea serves as the perfect drink, harmonizing with the dish’s sweetness and refreshing your palate. Chocolate Chip Cookies: End your meal on a sweet note with warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies—a comforting classic that everyone adores. Make Ahead Options These One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop and season your chicken (either breasts or thighs) up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Additionally, prepare the sautéed onion and garlic mixture and refrigerate it in a sealed container for up to 3 days. To maintain quality, cook the rice and combine everything just before serving, ensuring it stays fluffy and flavorful. When ready to serve, simply heat the prepped ingredients in your skillet, add the chicken broth and BBQ sauce, and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes. This way, you’ll enjoy delicious home-cooked food without the last-minute rush! One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Variations Feeling inspired to make this dish your own? Let your culinary creativity shine with these delightful variations! Vegetarian Delight: Swap chicken for firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version that’s equally satisfying and packed with protein. Meat Lover’s Twist: Use pulled pork or shredded beef instead of chicken for a hearty meal rich in flavor. Zesty BBQ Kick: Incorporate a spicy BBQ sauce or add red pepper flakes to give your dish an exciting kick of heat. Flavorful Veggies: Toss in colorful bell peppers, corn, or zucchini while sautéing onions for a vibrant boost of nutrition and texture. Coconut Rice: Replace chicken broth with coconut milk for a tropical twist; the creamy richness pairs beautifully with the BBQ flavors. Quinoa Boost: For a gluten-free option, swap rice with quinoa, cooking it in the same way to absorb those fantastic flavors. Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley just before serving for a refreshing burst of flavor and color. Savory Cheesy Goodness: Mix in shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack during the final fluffing step for an ooey-gooey delight. No matter how you choose to customize, you’re in for a treat! And if you’re looking for more mouthwatering chicken dishes, don’t forget to explore my Hawaiian BBQ Chicken or Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas. Expert Tips for One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Uniform Chicken Cuts: Ensure chicken pieces are cut evenly for uniform cooking and tenderness, making your One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice a delight. Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t overcrowd the pan while searing chicken, as this promotes even browning and avoids steaming—essential for flavor development. Toast the Rice: Take the time to toast the rice before adding liquid; this enhances its flavor and gives a wonderful nutty undertone to your dish. Check Liquid Absorption: Always check if the rice has absorbed all the liquid before removing from heat; this ensures a perfectly fluffy texture without any sogginess. Rest Before Serving: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking—this step allows the flavors to meld and improves the texture of the rice in your One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best chicken for this recipe? Absolutely! When selecting chicken for your One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, look for cuts that have a good amount of marbling, as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. For breasts, avoid any with dark spots or an unpleasant smell. If opt for thighs, seek plump and moist looking pieces. Also, don’t hesitate to choose organic or free-range options for better taste and health benefits! What is the best way to store leftovers? Very! To keep your One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice fresh, store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure the dish has cooled down before sealing to prevent condensation buildup inside the container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until thoroughly heated. Can I freeze this dish for later? Yes, you can! I often make large batches and freeze portions for later enjoyment. To freeze your One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, divide it into freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring that you remove as much air as possible before sealing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. What should I do if my rice turns out soggy? Ah, that’s a common concern! If your rice ends up soggy, it might be due to too much liquid being added or not allowing it to simmer properly. To fix this, try cooking it uncovered on medium heat for a few minutes to evaporate excess moisture. You can also spread the rice on a baking sheet to dry it out before serving. For next time, ensure you’re measuring the liquid accurately, and avoid lifting the lid too soon! Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of? Absolutely! If you’re serving this dish to someone with a soy allergy, make sure to use BBQ sauce that is free of soy ingredients. Moreover, for gluten-free options, double-check that both your rice and any broths/sauces are certified gluten-free. And if you want to cater to vegetarian diners, swap the chicken for firm tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious, inclusive meal! Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can! I recommend preparing the One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice a day ahead, allowing the flavors to deepen overnight. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container, and simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. This makes it a fantastic choice for meal prep, ensuring a delicious dinner is just a quick heat away! One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice for Easy Flavorful Dinners This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is quick, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsResting Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken1 lb Chicken (breasts or thighs) Substitution: Firm tofu can be used for a vegetarian option.For the Seasoningto taste Salt Always adjust to taste.to taste Pepper Always adjust to taste.2 tablespoons Olive Oil Substitution: Can use vegetable oil if desired.For the Aromatics1 medium Onion Substitution: Shallots can be used for a milder flavor.2 cloves Garlic Use fresh for best results.For the Base1 cup Rice (uncooked) Substitution: Quinoa can be used for a gluten-free option.2 cups Chicken Broth Substitution: Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian dish.For the Glaze1 cup BBQ Sauce Choose your favorite brand or make a homemade version. Equipment Large Skillet Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBegin by cutting your chicken (breasts or thighs) into small, even cubes, ensuring uniform cooking. Pat the chicken dry and season it with salt and pepper.Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes in a single layer and sear for about 5–7 minutes until golden brown.In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add chopped onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft, then stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.Add 1 cup of uncooked rice directly into the skillet, stirring to coat with the oil and aromatics. Toast for about 1 minute.Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and mix in your favorite BBQ sauce, then return the seared chicken to the skillet.Bring to a light boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender.Uncover, fluff the rice with a fork, let it rest for 5 minutes, and drizzle additional BBQ sauce if desired. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 2mg NotesEnsure chicken pieces are cut evenly for uniform cooking. Avoid overcrowding the pan while searing. Toasting the rice enhances flavor, and always check liquid absorption before removing from heat. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
