One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

satisfying one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a sweet-savory honey BBQ sauce for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cleanup: Everything cooks in a single skillet, saving you time on washing up.

• Bold Flavor Profile: The sticky honey BBQ glaze clings to juicy chicken pieces and infuses the rice, delivering sweet, tangy, and smoky notes in every bite.

• Weeknight-Friendly: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish fits perfectly into busy schedules without sacrificing taste.

• Family Pleaser: Appealing to both adults and children, it’s a reliable go-to that earns second helpings.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

• 2 cups chicken broth

• ½ cup bold barbecue sauce

• ¼ cup honey

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• ½ onion, diced

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

• Chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions, for garnish

directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Sear until golden on both sides, about 5–7 minutes total.

3. Stir in the garlic, onion, and bell pepper; cook until fragrant and slightly softened, about 2 minutes.

4. Add the rice, stirring to coat each grain with the pan juices.

5. Pour in the chicken broth, barbecue sauce, and honey; stir thoroughly to combine.

6. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

7. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

8. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with parsley or green onions, and serve hot.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetable Boost: Stir in a cup of frozen corn or peas before covering for extra color and nutrition.

• Spicy Kick: Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

• Smoky Twist: Substitute half of the barbecue sauce with chipotle-style sauce for a deeper smoky flavor.

• Brown Rice Option: Use brown rice (1 cup), increasing cook time to 40 minutes and adding a splash of extra broth as needed.

storage/reheating

• Refrigeration: Cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Thaw overnight if frozen. Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce and prevent drying.

FAQs

What can I substitute for chicken breast?

You may use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture; adjust cooking time by a few minutes if pieces are thicker.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes. Cook through step 6, let cool, then cover and refrigerate. Finish cooking (step 7) when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes if chilled.

Is there a gluten-free version?

Choose a gluten-free barbecue sauce and ensure your broth has no wheat-based ingredients; rice is naturally gluten-free.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking?

Use a nonstick or well-seasoned skillet, maintain a gentle simmer, and avoid lifting the lid during cooking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use a larger pan and ensure there’s enough surface area so ingredients cook evenly. You may need slightly more cooking time.

What side dishes pair well with this?

A crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables balance the richness of the dish. Garlic bread is also a great accompaniment.

How do I adjust for high-altitude cooking?

Increase the liquid by about 15 percent and extend cooking time by 5 minutes, checking the rice for doneness.

Can I add other grains?

Farro or barley can be used, but they require longer simmering and may absorb more liquid; adjust broth accordingly.

How do I make it dairy-free?

This recipe is naturally dairy-free as written; no substitutions are needed.

What’s the best way to reheat in the oven?

Place in a baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and bake at 175 °C (350 °F) for 15–20 minutes, adding a splash of broth if necessary.

Conclusion

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice delivers impressive flavor with minimal effort. Its versatile nature allows for numerous adaptations to suit dietary needs and taste preferences, making it a dependable weeknight standby. Gather your ingredients and experience how a simple skillet can yield a dish destined to become a family favorite.