One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

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When you need a flavorful dinner without a mountain of dishes, this One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice comes to the rescue. It delivers a punchy mix of sweet, smoky, and spicy barbecue flavor, all soaked into tender bites of chicken and fluffy seasoned rice. The best part? It cooks in a single skillet and is done in under 40 minutes.

The honey BBQ sauce creates a rich glaze that clings to the chicken, while the rice absorbs every bit of its bold, savory essence. You get comforting texture with just the right amount of zest. This meal feels like a weekend indulgence but is easy enough for any weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

This recipe is your new favorite solution for quick cleanup and full-flavored satisfaction. The honey barbecue combo has that craveable balance of sticky-sweet and tangy-smoky. It’s kid-approved and adult-adored. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or feeding a hungry family, it hits all the right notes of hearty, cozy, and fast.

There’s also minimal prep involved. Just dice, season, sear, and let the pan do the work. You’ll love how every grain of rice is perfectly coated in flavor.

Can I Use a Different Kind of Rice for This Recipe?

Absolutely! Long-grain white rice is ideal for this recipe because it cooks evenly and absorbs the sauce beautifully. But you can experiment with jasmine or basmati rice for extra aroma. Just avoid quick-cooking or instant rice—they tend to get mushy in one-pan meals. Brown rice works too, but it needs extra liquid and a longer cook time.

Ingredients for the One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

For this flavor-packed one-pan meal, each ingredient brings something essential to the party. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about layering depth into every bite.

• Chicken breast
• Olive oil
• Salt & pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Onion
• Bell pepper
• Uncooked long-grain white rice
• Chicken broth
• Honey BBQ sauce
• Hot sauce (optional)
• Fresh parsley

The chicken breast gives you lean protein that browns quickly and stays juicy. Olive oil is used for searing and helps deliver that golden edge to the meat. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika build a warm, smoky foundation.

Onion and bell pepper add sweetness and crunch, while uncooked long-grain white rice is the canvas that soaks up all that flavor. Chicken broth brings richness and depth. Honey BBQ sauce is the star—sweet, smoky, and bold. Add a dash of hot sauce for heat if you like things spicy, and sprinkle fresh parsley at the end for a fresh, vibrant finish.

How To Make the One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken breast and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sear until browned and nearly cooked through.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Add Rice and Liquid

Stir in the uncooked rice. Pour in the chicken broth and add the honey BBQ sauce. If you’re using hot sauce, mix it in here. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Cover and Cook

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot right from the pan.

How to Serve and Store This One-Pan Dinner

This dish feeds 4 to 5 people generously. Serve it piping hot straight from the pan for that homey, skillet-to-table feel. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or some roasted green beans if you want to round it out.

Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. You can reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to bring the rice back to life.

What to Serve With One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?

Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob

The sweetness and creaminess of buttered corn pairs effortlessly with BBQ flavors.

Creamy Coleslaw

Its cool, tangy crunch balances out the bold and spicy rice.

Grilled Zucchini Spears

Smoky, charred zucchini keeps things light and summery.

Buttery Cornbread Muffins

Soft, slightly sweet cornbread adds a cozy Southern vibe.

Pickled Red Onions

Add a pop of acidity to cut through the richness.

Avocado Lime Crema

Drizzle on top for a creamy, zesty contrast.

Cucumber Tomato Salad

Crisp and refreshing, it brings balance to the warm, hearty rice.

Sweet Tea or Lemonade

Not a food, but these drinks feel made for this meal.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice hit the spot, check out these flavor-loaded favorites too:

• Easy Chicken Fried Rice for a faster-than-takeout fix with savory flair.
• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni if you’re craving pasta comfort.
• Smothered Chicken and Rice for a creamy twist on the classic.
• Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup to warm your soul.
• BBQ Chicken Pizza for a bold way to get your BBQ fix in a slice.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go extra spicy? Maybe try it with pineapple chunks or cheddar on top?

I love hearing how others put their spin on these recipes. Questions are welcome too—let’s swap ideas and help each other cook better.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dishes on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new weeknight favorite!

Conclusion

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is what busy weeknights dream of. It’s full of flavor, easy on effort, and leaves you with just one pan to wash. Whether you’re a BBQ lover or just want a simple, satisfying dinner that delivers big-time comfort, this one’s for you. Toss it on your meal plan this week—your taste buds will thank you.

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