One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice – Smoky, Sweet, and Totally Irresistible
When weeknights get busy but your cravings are big, nothing satisfies quite like a one-pan meal that’s equal parts bold, smoky, and sweet. This One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice delivers all that and more — tender chicken bites glazed in sticky honey BBQ sauce, fluffy rice that soaks up every drop of flavor, and a hint of spice that keeps you coming back for another forkful.
It’s the kind of dish that feels like a backyard BBQ and a cozy home-cooked dinner all in one skillet. The beauty? Everything cooks together — the chicken, the rice, the sauce — melding into a mouthwatering, saucy, caramelized masterpiece that looks like it took all day but really takes under 40 minutes.
If you love the tang of barbecue sauce, the sweetness of honey, and the savory satisfaction of skillet meals, this recipe will become a permanent part of your dinner rotation.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (use a smoky or bold style)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sear until lightly golden on all sides (about 5–6 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build the BBQ Base: Add tomato paste, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir to coat the onions, letting the spices bloom for 30 seconds.
- Add Liquids and Rice: Pour in the rice, chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Stir well to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Return Chicken to Pan: Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, making sure the pieces are mostly submerged in liquid. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Add Finishing Touches: Once the rice is fluffy and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top if using, cover for 2–3 minutes to let it melt, then fluff gently with a fork.
- Serve and Garnish: Top with fresh parsley or sliced green onions and serve hot straight from the skillet.
Tips & Tricks
- Use chicken thighs for the juiciest texture — they stay tender and flavorful even after simmering.
- If your BBQ sauce is on the sweeter side, balance it with a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of cayenne.
- Don’t skip rinsing your rice — it helps prevent gumminess and ensures each grain cooks up fluffy.
- For an extra smoky punch, stir in a few drops of liquid smoke or add diced roasted red peppers.
One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat oil in a skillet and sear seasoned chicken until golden; remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic in the same skillet until softened.
- Add tomato paste, smoked paprika, and chili powder; stir to coat.
- Stir in rice, broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Bring to a simmer.
- Return chicken to skillet, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and sauce thickens.
- Top with cheese if desired, cover to melt, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
Variations
- Spicy Honey BBQ: Add a tablespoon of hot sauce or a diced jalapeño with the onions for a fiery kick.
- Cheesy BBQ Rice Bake: Transfer the finished dish to an oven-safe dish, top with cheese, and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers with the rice for a Tex-Mex twist.
- Low-Carb Swap: Replace rice with cauliflower rice and cook uncovered for a few minutes until tender (no need for extra liquid).
Serving Suggestions
This honey BBQ chicken rice pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables. You can also spoon it into bowls and top with avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, or crispy fried onions for texture.
For a fun family-style dinner, serve it straight from the skillet with warm cornbread or garlic butter rolls on the side. And if you have leftovers — it makes an amazing filling for wraps or burritos the next day.
Storage Information
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, sprinkle with a few teaspoons of water or broth and warm in a skillet over low heat until steaming.
You can also freeze the dish (cooled completely) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQ
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase the broth to 2 cups and simmer covered for about 40 minutes instead of 20.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
A thick, smoky “bold” BBQ sauce gives this dish the best flavor. Look for one labeled “hickory,” “mesquite,” or “bold.”
Can I add more honey?
Yes — add an extra tablespoon if you prefer a sweeter glaze.
History / Fun Facts
The marriage of barbecue sauce and rice might sound unusual, but it’s rooted in Southern cooking traditions where sweet, smoky sauces often make their way into casseroles and skillet dishes. The combination of honey and BBQ sauce creates a perfect harmony of sweet and savory — a flavor profile that’s been loved in American kitchens for decades.
This one-pan version takes inspiration from barbecue chicken and turns it into a weeknight comfort classic — everything cooks together in one skillet, so you get the tenderness of slow-cooked BBQ flavor in a fraction of the time. It’s a modern spin on homestyle comfort food that brings backyard BBQ vibes indoors, any time of year.
