One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Name: One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cups chicken broth; ½ cup bbq sauce; ¼ cup honey; 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp smoked paprika; salt and pepper to taste

Published by:Lina February 19, 2026February 19, 2026

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One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is the ideal recipe for those busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying yet simple to whip up. Imagine succulent chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and colorful veggies all infused with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce that brings it all together. This dish not only packs flavor but looks beautiful when plated, making it great for family dinners or even company. Plus, the one-pan concept means fewer dishes to wash—always a win in my book!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

I still remember the first time I created this recipe while trying to impress some friends. We all had busy lives, but nobody wanted to compromise on a delicious meal. This dish hit the spot! With its cozy, comforting vibes and vibrant flavors, it quickly became a go-to. If you’re looking for an easy, budget-friendly meal that feels like a treat, you’re in the right place. Let’s get ready to cook up some magic with this One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 50 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet honey and bold BBQ sauce creates a delicious glaze on the chicken.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Colorful mixed veggies add a beautiful touch to the dish, making it visually appealing.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it for dinner, as a meal prep option, or even serve it at gatherings.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily swap chicken for pork or tofu for a vegetarian twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, but breasts work well too. Feel free to swap for pork or tofu if you prefer.
1 cup long-grain rice: Long-grain rice cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors beautifully. Jasmine or basmati are great alternatives.
2 cups chicken broth: This adds depth and richness to the dish. You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
½ cup BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade sauce; it adds a tangy sweetness that’s essential here.
¼ cup honey: Honey balances the richness of the BBQ sauce with its natural sweetness. Agave syrup could be a good substitute for a vegan alternative.
1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh): Bell peppers, broccoli, or even peas are great choices for added color and nutrients.
1 tsp garlic powder: Garlic powder enhances the dish’s savory element without the hassle of chopping fresh garlic.
1 tsp onion powder: This adds a depth of flavor that complements the chicken brilliantly.
½ tsp smoked paprika: For a touch of smokiness that plays well with the BBQ flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to enhance all the dish’s flavors.

How to Make One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add your seasoned chicken thighs or breasts. Cook each side for about 5 minutes until they’re browned and seared, giving a lovely golden color.

Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together ½ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce and ¼ cup of honey in a small bowl until well combined. This mixture acts as a glaze, adding sweetness and tanginess to the chicken.

Combine Ingredients: Once the chicken is nicely browned, pour the honey-BBQ mixture over the chicken. Next, add in 1 cup of long-grain rice and 2 cups of chicken broth. Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are well combined.

Simmer: Bring the skillet to a gentle simmer, then cover it with a lid. Lower the heat and let it cook for about 20 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the flavors and become tender.

Add Vegetables: With about 5 minutes left in cooking time, gently add 1 cup of mixed vegetables on top of the rice without stirring. Cover the skillet again and let the veggies steam, which will brighten the flavor and color.

Fluff and Serve: After the cooking time, take the skillet off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step lets the rice settle. Use a fork to fluff the rice before serving and enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. If you plan to keep it longer, you can freeze this dish for up to three months. When reheating, simply microwave it until hot, about 2-3 minutes depending on the amount. You might notice a slight change in texture; adding a splash of broth or water while reheating can help refresh the dish.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the chicken; when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, it’s perfect!
Let your rice sit covered off the heat for enhanced texture—this step makes a significant difference.
If using frozen vegetables, there’s no need to thaw them first; just add them straight to the pan.
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in BBQ sauce for a few hours before you cook it.
Experiment with your choice of BBQ sauce—spicy versions can add a delightful kick!

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is not just a meal; it’s an invitation to gather around the table and enjoy flavors together. It’ll become a favorite not just for its delicious ease but also for the smiles it brings. Don’t hesitate to play with the ingredients, make it your own, and enjoy experimenting with flavors. Just wait until you witness how quickly it disappears—your family and friends will be asking for seconds!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! If you prefer brown rice, just keep in mind it will require a longer cooking time, about 30-40 minutes instead of 20. Ensure you have enough liquid, as brown rice tends to absorb more.

What if I don’t have BBQ sauce?

You can create a simple marinade with soy sauce, a little ketchup, and some honey for sweetness. It won’t be the same, but it will still impart great flavor!

Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance! Just cook the dish up to the point of fluffing the rice, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of liquid if necessary.