One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

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This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is the kind of weeknight dinner that wins everyone over with ease. Juicy bites of chicken smothered in sticky-sweet honey barbecue sauce rest on a bed of seasoned rice that cooks up fluffy and flavorful in the same skillet. It’s a comfort meal that feels cozy, but takes hardly any effort to put together.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want something fuss-free yet satisfying, this one-pan wonder will quickly become a go-to. Everything comes together in one pan—which means fewer dishes and more time enjoying your evening. The combination of smoky, tangy BBQ sauce and golden seared chicken is irresistible, especially when paired with fluffy rice that soaks up every drop of sauce.

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What Kind of BBQ Sauce Should I Use?

The beauty of this recipe is that you can go with your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own. A smoky honey BBQ sauce adds that signature sweet-tangy flavor, but if you like a little heat, opt for a spicy blend or stir in a pinch of cayenne. Just make sure your sauce has a thicker consistency so it clings to the chicken and blends into the rice without watering it down.

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Ingredients for the One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
These offer juicy, tender bites and cook quickly. Chicken thighs bring extra flavor, but breasts work beautifully too.

Rice
Long grain white rice holds up well in one-pan cooking and soaks in the flavorful sauce without turning mushy.

Chicken broth
Adds depth and helps cook the rice with extra savory richness.

Honey BBQ sauce
The heart of the dish! This gives the chicken its glossy coating and provides flavor throughout.

Garlic & onion powder
These boost the base flavor of the chicken and rice.

Paprika
Adds subtle warmth and color.

Salt & pepper
Simple seasoning goes a long way in layering flavors.

Olive oil
Used for searing the chicken until golden.

Fresh parsley or green onions (optional)
For garnish, freshness, and a pop of color.

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How To Make the One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Add the chicken to the skillet and sear on both sides until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Toast the Rice

In the same skillet, add the uncooked rice and stir for a minute or two. This toasting step gives it a nutty aroma and helps it stay fluffy as it cooks.

Step 3: Simmer Everything Together

Pour in the chicken broth and give it a quick stir, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Nestle the seared chicken back into the pan on top of the rice. Spoon honey BBQ sauce generously over each piece of chicken.

Step 4: Cover and Cook

Reduce heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let everything simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Don’t peek too often to keep the steam in!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the rice is done, remove the pan from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes covered. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Top with chopped parsley or sliced green onions if desired.

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How to Serve and Store This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

Serve this dish hot straight from the skillet for the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s great as a standalone meal, but you can also pair it with a side of roasted veggies or a crisp green salad to round it out.

For leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave in intervals, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the rice if needed.

To freeze, portion into individual servings, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the rice from getting mushy?

Use long grain rice and avoid stirring it too much during cooking. Also, make sure to use the right liquid ratio and keep the pan covered.

Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and add more broth since brown rice takes longer to cook.

What other protein can I use?

Boneless pork chops or shrimp can work, though you’ll need to adjust cook times. For a vegetarian version, try seasoned tofu.

Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely. This recipe stores and reheats very well, making it ideal for meal prep.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be! Just ensure your BBQ sauce and broth are certified gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger pan or divide between two pans to avoid overcrowding.

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Want More Chicken & Rice Ideas?

If you enjoyed this One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice, check out these other cozy and easy-to-make favorites:

• Tasty Pineapple Chicken and Rice for a sweet tropical twist.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli if you’re craving something creamy and hearty.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for a meaty, cheesy comfort fix.
• Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli to keep dinner both green and satisfying.
• One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for a deeply savory one-pan dream.

Looking for even more easy weeknight dinners? Head over to Life with Jam on Pinterest and discover a world of cozy recipes shared daily.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use spicy BBQ sauce or keep it classic? Did you add some veggies to the pan?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

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