Introduction

This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and easy meal that combines tender chicken thighs with sweet and tangy BBQ sauce over a bed of savory rice. Perfect for a busy weeknight, it’s a complete dish cooked all in one pan for minimal cleanup.

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

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

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken thighs or breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until browned.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey. Pour this mixture over the seared chicken in the skillet.
Step 3: Add the rice and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet and cook on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Step 5: Five minutes before the cooking time is up, add the mixed vegetables on top of the rice to steam along with the other ingredients.
Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful.
For added spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce and honey mixture.
Try swapping the mixed vegetables for fresh diced bell peppers, corn, or peas to vary the texture and flavor.
If you don’t have chicken broth, substitute with vegetable broth or water, though broth adds more depth.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of long-grain white rice?

Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust accordingly by increasing broth and cooking time to ensure the rice cooks through.

Is it okay to use frozen chicken?

For best results, use thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and proper searing. If using frozen, thaw completely before starting the recipe.

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 140 reviews

This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe combines tender chicken thighs with a flavorful BBQ and honey sauce, cooked together with rice and mixed vegetables for an easy, comforting meal all done in one skillet. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it balances savory spices and sweet honey notes with a hearty base of chicken broth-infused rice.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Entree
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Grains

1 cup long-grain rice

Liquids & Sauces

2 cups chicken broth
½ cup BBQ sauce
¼ cup honey

Vegetables

1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)

Spices & Seasonings

1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Season and Sear Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry and season them on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Place the chicken in the skillet and sear for about 5 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through.
Mix Sauce and Pour Over Chicken: While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey in a small bowl until well combined. Pour this honey BBQ mixture evenly over the browned chicken in the skillet.
Add Rice and Broth: Pour in the long-grain rice and chicken broth around the chicken in the skillet. Stir gently to combine everything evenly without disturbing the chicken too much.
Simmer Covered: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Steam Vegetables: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the mixed vegetables on top of the rice and chicken. Cover again and allow the vegetables to steam through as the rice finishes cooking.
Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm, making sure to plate both chicken and vegetables.

Notes

You can substitute chicken thighs with breasts if preferred, but thighs tend to remain juicier.
Frozen mixed vegetables work just as well as fresh and make this dish even more convenient.
Adjust the amount of honey or BBQ sauce to taste depending on how sweet or tangy you like your dish.
If you want a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the spice mix.
Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.

Keywords: one-pan meal, honey BBQ chicken, chicken rice skillet, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe