One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe That You Will Follow

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Milk Frother

Buy Now →

Meat Thermometer

Buy Now →

Olive Oil Sprayer

Buy Now →

Hey there, friend! If you’re looking for a recipe that’s simple, satisfying, and packed with bold flavor, then trust me—you’re going to love this One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. It’s the kind of dish that hits all the right notes: savory, slightly sweet, and oh-so-comforting. And the best part? You only need one pan, so there’s minimal cleanup. Sounds like a dream, right? The chicken comes out tender, the rice is perfectly infused with BBQ goodness, and every bite feels like a warm hug. Grab your apron and let’s get cooking—this one’s going to become your new favorite dinner!

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

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting friends for a cozy evening, or simply treating yourself to a comforting meal, this dish has your back. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile

Perfect for those busy weeknights or as a star at your next get-together. Picture this: after a long day, you come home, and in less than an hour, you’re serving up something that tastes like it took all day to prepare. Or, imagine serving it at a gathering and watching as your friends ask for the recipe—yep, it’s that good.

Budget-Friendly

We’re talking about simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. No need for fancy or hard-to-find items—this dish proves that you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy bold, restaurant-quality flavors.

Quick and Easy

This is the kind of recipe that even beginners can tackle with confidence. You’ll follow simple, straightforward steps, and the best part? It’s almost foolproof! No stress, just pure deliciousness.

Customizable

Make it your own! Want a little more heat? Toss in some chili flakes. Prefer a milder flavor? You can adjust the seasoning to make it just right for your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing

Let’s be real—who doesn’t love a good BBQ chicken? This dish is always a hit, from kids to adults. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this mouthwatering One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice:

  • Chicken Breasts: Tender, juicy, and perfect for soaking up all the delicious honey BBQ sauce.
  • BBQ Sauce: The heart and soul of this dish. A nice tangy BBQ sauce will give everything the perfect balance of smoky and sweet.
  • Honey: Adds that sticky sweetness that takes the BBQ sauce to the next level. It’s the secret ingredient that brings everything together.
  • Rice: Long-grain white rice works wonderfully here, soaking up the sauce and adding that comforting texture we all crave.
  • Onion: A little bit of sharpness to balance out the sweetness and give the dish depth.
  • Garlic: Because let’s be real, garlic makes everything better.
  • Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken and sautéing the veggies.
  • Chicken Broth: Keeps everything moist and adds a savory base to the rice.
  • Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a burst of color and freshness to finish things off.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and the rice will come out just right.

Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking them until softened and fragrant—about 2-3 minutes. This is where the magic starts, so take a moment to enjoy that smell.

Brown the Chicken

Season your chicken breasts with a bit of salt and pepper. Add them to the pan and brown them on both sides—just about 3 minutes per side. We’re not cooking them through, just giving them a nice sear to lock in those flavors.

Combine Rice, BBQ Sauce, and Honey

Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add the rice, BBQ sauce, and honey. Stir to combine, ensuring the rice is well-coated in that glorious sauce.

Add the Chicken Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir. This will cook the rice and keep it nice and tender. Place the chicken breasts back on top of the rice.

Bake to Perfection

Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to your preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.

Finish and Serve

Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and then serve it up! Enjoy that glorious honey BBQ goodness.

How to Serve One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

This dish is filling on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out the meal:

  • Fresh Salads: Pair it with a light, refreshing green salad for a nice contrast to the rich flavors.
  • Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to mop up all that delicious BBQ sauce.
  • Creamy Accompaniments: Add a dollop of sour cream or a creamy yogurt-based dip to balance out the bold flavors.
  • Vegetable Sides: Roasted veggies like carrots or green beans complement the dish perfectly.

Additional Tips

  • Prep Ahead: Chop and measure your ingredients ahead of time. It’ll save you some time when you’re ready to cook!
  • Spice It Up: Want a bit more heat? Add a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the BBQ sauce.
  • Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
  • Double the Batch: This recipe is perfect for doubling if you need to feed a crowd or want to have leftovers for the next day.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and tenderness to the dish.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Prepare everything up until baking, then refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. Just pop it in the oven when it’s time.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain texture.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! This dish freezes well. Just store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Q5: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A5: Try it with mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a light cucumber salad.

Conclusion:

This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is everything you want in a meal—simple, flavorful, and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving a crowd, it’s guaranteed to impress. Give it a try and watch it become your new go-to weeknight dinner!

Print

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe That You Will Follow

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This delicious One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice brings together tender, flavorful chicken thighs, sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, and savory rice, all cooked together in one pan for an easy and flavorful meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Oven-baked
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  1. For the Chicken:

    • 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or boneless if preferred)
    • 1/2 cup honey
    • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
    • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  2. For the Rice:

    • 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice, adjust cooking time if using)
    • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (or water)
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the rice and chicken)
    • 1 small onion, chopped
    • 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional, for extra flavor)
    • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  3. For Garnish (optional):

    1. Fresh cilantro, chopped
    2. Lemon wedges (for a fresh burst)

Instructions

  • Prepare the BBQ Sauce:
    In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.

  • Cook the Chicken:
    Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
    Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
    Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

  • Cook the Rice:
    In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using), cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
    Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
    Stir in the rice, making sure it’s coated in the oil and softened a little. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
    Add the chicken broth, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
    Place the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet on top of the rice.

  • Bake the Dish:
    Drizzle the prepared BBQ sauce over the chicken and rice, making sure the chicken is well coated.
    Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes (or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F / 75°C) and the rice is cooked through.

 

  • Finish and Serve:
    Once the chicken and rice are done, remove from the oven. Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving.
    Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lemon wedges for a burst of freshness.

Notes

  • If using boneless chicken thighs, reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes.
  • You can substitute brown rice for white rice, but you may need to adjust the cooking time for the rice.

 

  • For an extra kick, add a dash of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of the dish
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star