One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

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Sticky, sweet, smoky, and irresistibly easy, this One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is everything you crave on a weeknight. It brings bold flavor without the pile of dirty dishes and transforms pantry staples into something you’ll want to make again and again. The tender chicken thighs soak up a rich honey barbecue glaze as they simmer alongside fluffy rice and savory onions.

This is a one-skillet wonder that knows how to multitask. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping a few meals ahead, this dish covers your protein, carb, and crave-worthy sauce all at once. Plus, it only takes a few steps to pull together, making it the kind of recipe you can actually enjoy making on a busy day.

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

This dish strikes that perfect balance between cozy and bold. The honey BBQ glaze gives you sweetness with a kick, while the rice absorbs all the juices, becoming savory, tender, and satisfying in every bite. It saves time, effort, and cleanup without skimping on comfort or flavor.

You’ll love that it only requires one pan and no fancy ingredients. It’s a hearty, feel-good meal with just enough zing to keep things interesting. And it’s the perfect way to spice up chicken and rice without reinventing your grocery list.

Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?

Absolutely, you can swap chicken thighs for breasts if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that thighs are juicier and more forgiving, especially during longer simmer times. If you’re using chicken breasts, consider cutting them into smaller pieces and keeping an eye on doneness to avoid drying them out. Bone-in, skin-on options work beautifully too if you’re after even more flavor.

Ingredients for the One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients, but together they build a meal that tastes like it came from a cozy Southern kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Chicken thighs bring rich, juicy flavor and are perfect for absorbing the sauce while staying tender throughout the cook.

BBQ sauce is the heart of the dish’s bold flavor. Pick one that has a balance of sweet and smoky for best results.

Honey adds the sticky sweetness that caramelizes beautifully with the BBQ sauce as it cooks.

Garlic powder gives depth and rounds out the sweetness with subtle warmth.

Onion sautés into a golden, fragrant base that elevates every bite of rice.

Chicken broth infuses the rice with more flavor than water alone, making it savory and rich.

Uncooked white rice soaks up the sauce and broth while cooking right in the same pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Salt and pepper keep the flavors in balance and bring out the best in the BBQ glaze.

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

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, just until browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pan, add a bit of oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion until soft and golden. This step brings savory depth to the rice.

Step 3: Combine the Sauce

Mix BBQ sauce and honey in a small bowl. Pour half of it into the skillet with the onions and stir to deglaze, scraping up all the flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom.

Step 4: Add Rice and Broth

Pour in the uncooked rice and chicken broth. Stir well to combine everything, then place the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, nestling them into the rice.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Drizzle the remaining honey BBQ sauce over the chicken. Cover with a lid and simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Let it sit uncovered for a few minutes to thicken slightly, then garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if you like. Serve hot straight from the skillet.

Serving and Storing This Comfort-Packed Dinner

This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice feeds 4 to 5 people generously, making it a fantastic family meal or a meal-prep dream. Serve it hot, right out of the pan, with all those saucy rice edges scraped up.

Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store in airtight containers and simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to revive the rice.

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

Fresh Garden Salad

A crisp green salad with cucumbers and tomatoes balances the richness of the dish.

Roasted Corn on the Cob

Smoky grilled or oven-roasted corn pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy BBQ flavor.

Creamy Coleslaw

Creamy coleslaw brings cool crunch that contrasts nicely with warm, sticky chicken.

Sautéed Green Beans

Bright green beans with a little garlic butter add a light and savory side.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

If you love sweet-on-sweet, baked sweet potatoes add comfort and a hint of caramel flavor.

Buttermilk Biscuits

Soft, fluffy biscuits are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

Pickled Jalapeños or Onions

For a little kick and contrast, serve with pickled veggies on the side.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love cozy meals like this one, check out these other satisfying dishes:

• Smothered Chicken and Rice for a creamy twist on the chicken and rice classic.
• BBQ Chicken Pizza to get your honey BBQ fix in pizza form.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna if you’re craving rich layers and bold flavor.
• Easy Chicken Fried Rice when you want a fast stovetop classic.
• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni for those pasta comfort nights.

Save This Recipe For Later

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

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice up the sauce or keep it mellow? Maybe tossed in corn or bell peppers?

I love hearing your tweaks and tips. Your kitchen creativity is always welcome here.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinner ideas on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to weeknight favorites!

Conclusion

When a meal this good only takes one pan and under an hour, it’s hard not to put it on repeat. This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice makes you feel like a weeknight dinner hero with its smoky sweetness, saucy rice, and no-fuss cleanup. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you simple doesn’t have to mean boring—and dinner at home can still be the best part of your day.

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