Craving a quick, satisfying dinner that’s packed with sweet, smoky flavor and minimal cleanup? This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe is your perfect solution. Ready in just 30 minutes, it brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and bold honey BBQ sauce—all in a single skillet. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or prepping easy meals for the week, this dish is a family favorite you’ll keep coming back to.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner in 30 Minutes
This dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you need something filling and delicious in a hurry. In just 30 minutes, you can have a hot meal on the table without breaking a sweat. Perfect for beginners or anyone short on time.
One-Pan Clean-Up Means Less Hassle
All the ingredients cook together in a single skillet, which means minimal mess and minimal cleanup. Say goodbye to piles of dirty dishes and hello to convenience.
Sweet, Smoky, and Savory Flavors in Every Bite
Honey BBQ sauce brings a luscious combination of sweetness and smokiness, coating the tender chicken and fluffy rice for a well-rounded flavor profile that pleases both kids and adults.
Family-Friendly and Budget-Conscious
With affordable, easy-to-find ingredients, this one-pan meal is light on your wallet but big on taste. It’s a go-to dish that keeps the whole family happy.
Ingredients Needed for This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Skillet
Fresh Ingredients You Probably Already Have
You’ll need chicken breasts or thighs, long-grain rice, bell peppers, onions, and garlic. These pantry and fridge staples come together to form a balanced, colorful dish.
The Star Ingredient: Honey BBQ Sauce
Choose your favorite store-bought honey BBQ sauce or make it from scratch. This sauce ties all the ingredients together with a sweet and smoky finish.
Optional Add-Ins to Boost Flavor and Nutrition
Add black beans, corn, or even diced tomatoes for extra nutrition and variety. These ingredients complement the BBQ flavor while adding texture and color.
Step-by-Step Guide: Cooking One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet and sear the chicken until golden brown. This helps to lock in the juices and infuse the meat with rich, savory flavor.
Sauté Veggies and Add the Rice
Remove the chicken, then cook the onions and bell peppers until tender. Stir in the garlic and uncooked rice, letting it toast lightly for added depth.
Combine, Simmer, and Finish with Sauce
Add the seared chicken back in, pour in chicken broth, and cover. Let everything simmer until the rice is cooked. In the last few minutes, stir in the honey BBQ sauce and cook uncovered until the sauce thickens.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Choose the Right Cut of Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, while chicken breasts stay lean. Choose based on your preference and availability.
Use Low-Sodium Broth for Better Control
To prevent your dish from becoming overly salty, use low-sodium chicken broth. The BBQ sauce will provide plenty of seasoning.
Let It Rest Before Serving
Let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps the rice absorb excess moisture and makes the flavors meld together perfectly.
How to Store, Reheat, and Meal Prep This Dish
Storage Tips for Leftovers
Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to four days.
Reheat Without Drying It Out
Add a splash of water or broth before reheating in the microwave or on the stove to keep the rice moist and flavorful.
Meal Prep-Friendly for the Week Ahead
Divide the dish into single-serve containers and refrigerate. It’s a perfect grab-and-go meal that tastes just as good reheated.
Final Thoughts
One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is more than just a quick and easy dinner—it’s a flavorful, comforting meal that brings together the sweetness of honey BBQ sauce with the heartiness of chicken and rice, all in one pan. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or simply when you’re craving something satisfying with minimal cleanup.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love trying this Chicken and Broccoli Recipe—it’s another wholesome, quick-to-make dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Let me know how your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice turned out in the comments below—and don’t forget to share your photos!