Sticky-sweet, smoky, and irresistibly easy—this One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a weeknight hero bursting with bold flavor.

🍗 Cozy Comfort Meets BBQ Crave-Worthy Flavor

There’s nothing quite like the smell of honey BBQ wafting through the kitchen—it’s comforting, mouthwatering, and just the thing that turns a simple dinner into something special. This dish came to life one hectic evening when I had no energy for cleanup but still wanted something big on flavor. Enter: one pan, a handful of pantry staples, and a whole lot of BBQ goodness.

Every spoonful gives you juicy chicken bites glazed in honey barbecue sauce, fluffy rice cooked right in all the flavor, and the kind of satisfying warmth you only get from a homemade meal.

🛒 Key Ingredients (with Descriptions)

Chicken Thighs or Breasts

Tender and juicy, these form the protein-packed base. Chicken thighs add richness; breasts are leaner—both work great.

Honey BBQ Sauce

Sweet, smoky, and sticky. Use your favorite store-bought brand or make your own for a deeper flavor profile.

Long Grain White Rice

Cooks right in the pan, absorbing all the savory, saucy goodness—no need for extra pots.

Chicken Broth

Infuses the rice with even more flavor as it simmers and helps everything stay moist.

Garlic & Onion

Aromatic base that gives the dish depth and complexity.

Bell Peppers

For a pop of color, crunch, and sweetness—plus they pair perfectly with BBQ.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add a bit of oil, then brown the seasoned chicken pieces for 2–3 minutes per side. No need to fully cook—they’ll finish in the pan.
Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add chopped garlic and onions. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Add Rice & Liquid
Stir in uncooked rice, chicken broth, and half the BBQ sauce. Nestle the chicken pieces back in.
Simmer Until Tender
Cover and cook on low for 20–25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Finish with Sauce & Broil (Optional)
Brush remaining BBQ sauce over the chicken. For a sticky top, place the pan under a broiler for 3–5 minutes.
Garnish & Serve
Top with sliced green onions or fresh parsley. Add a drizzle of extra honey or BBQ sauce if desired.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

Pair with a simple green salad or roasted veggies
Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar
Serve with grilled corn or a side of coleslaw for a full BBQ-style meal

❄️ Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigeration

Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep rice moist. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

🏁 Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is everything a weeknight dinner should be—easy, hearty, flavorful, and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, it’s a no-fuss winner that delivers every time.

Try it, tweak it, and let your tastebuds decide the toppings!

❓ FAQ Section

Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by 10–15 minutes and add more broth as needed.

Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Stir in cooked, shredded chicken during the last 10 minutes of cooking and reduce the liquid slightly.

Is this recipe spicy?
Not as written, but feel free to stir in chipotle powder or cayenne for heat.

What’s the best BBQ sauce for this?
Use your favorite! Honey BBQ, smoky mesquite, or even spicy peach BBQ all work beautifully.

One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice