One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice – The Ultimate Weeknight Flavor Bomb
If you’re craving something hearty, smoky, and sweet with a touch of tang — all made in a single skillet — this One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is your dream dinner come true. It’s the perfect combination of juicy chicken, sticky-sweet barbecue glaze, and fluffy rice infused with the bold flavors of honey, garlic, and smoky spices.
Whether you’re feeding a busy family, meal-prepping for the week, or just want a no-fuss dinner that tastes like something from your favorite BBQ joint, this recipe delivers in every way. The best part? It all comes together in one pan — no extra pots, no complicated steps, just simple, bold comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This One Pan Wonder
- Minimal Cleanup: One pan means less scrubbing and more relaxing after dinner.
- Bold Flavor: Sweet honey and smoky BBQ sauce blend into the rice, creating deep, rich flavor in every bite.
- Perfectly Balanced: The tang from BBQ sauce and the sweetness from honey balance beautifully with garlic, paprika, and soy sauce.
- Customizable: Add veggies, spice, or cheese to make it your own.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Reheats beautifully — the flavors only deepen the next day.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Rice Base:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size cubes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (choose a bold or smoky variety)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
For Garnish:
- Chopped scallions
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Extra drizzle of BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes until golden brown on all sides (it doesn’t have to be fully cooked through yet). Remove chicken and set aside. - Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant. - Toast the Rice:
Stir in the uncooked rice and toast for 1 minute, letting it soak up the pan flavors. - Add the Liquids:
Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir well to combine all the bold flavors. - Simmer and Steam:
Bring mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture. Cover tightly with a lid and cook for 18–20 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. - Finish & Fluff:
Once cooked, remove lid and fluff rice with a fork. The BBQ glaze will coat the rice and chicken beautifully. - Garnish & Serve:
Top with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, and a light drizzle of extra BBQ sauce. Serve hot straight from the skillet.
One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion and bell pepper until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Stir in rice and toast for 1 minute.
- Add broth, BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, paprika, and chili powder. Mix well.
- Return chicken to pan, cover, and simmer on low for 18–20 minutes.
- Fluff rice, garnish with scallions and sesame seeds, and serve.
Notes
Flavor Tips & Tricks
- Use a bold BBQ sauce: The sauce defines the dish. Smoky, spicy, or hickory BBQ sauces create the richest flavor.
- Add sweetness wisely: Honey caramelizes beautifully but burns easily. Add it when simmering, not while searing chicken.
- Rice type matters: Long-grain rice gives the best texture; short-grain can make it mushy.
- Want creaminess? Stir in ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese at the end for a cheesy BBQ twist.
- Make it spicy: Add hot sauce or cayenne for extra kick.
Variations
- Vegetable Boost: Add corn, black beans, or diced zucchini for extra nutrition and texture.
- Tex-Mex Style: Swap BBQ sauce for chipotle sauce and add cilantro and lime for a southwestern vibe.
- Hawaiian BBQ Twist: Add pineapple chunks during simmering — sweet, tangy, and totally addictive.
- Crispy Finish: After cooking, place skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes to caramelize the top layer of rice and chicken.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp coleslaw for contrast.
- Pair with grilled corn on the cob or a green salad for a balanced meal.
- Add a side of garlic bread to soak up every bit of that honey-BBQ glaze.
- For lunchboxes, cool it slightly and pack it into meal prep containers.
Storage & Reheating
This dish stores beautifully!
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Add a splash of water or broth before microwaving or reheating on the stovetop to restore moisture.
Pro Tip: The flavors deepen overnight — it’s even better the next day!
Fun Fact
BBQ chicken and rice have deep roots in Southern and Midwestern cooking traditions. Combining them into a one-pan dish brings together two comfort-food icons — smoky grilled-style chicken and buttery rice — in a modern, easy, weeknight-friendly format.
The idea of adding honey to BBQ sauce traces back to early Southern pitmasters who used molasses and honey to glaze meats over open flame. That same principle gives this dish its irresistible glossy finish and complex sweetness.
Why It’s a Must-Try
One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice isn’t just a meal — it’s an experience. Each bite bursts with smoky, sweet, and savory flavor, wrapped around tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice. It’s simple, comforting, and satisfying — a dish that turns an ordinary weeknight into something special.
From the sizzle of the skillet to the first spoonful of sticky-sweet goodness, it’s a dish that promises joy with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fiber: 2g
