Dinner

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

BySarah Summers January 28, 2026January 28, 2026

Introduction

This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and easy weeknight meal that combines tender chicken, sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, and perfectly cooked rice all in one skillet. It’s a comforting dish that requires minimal cleanup and delivers big on taste.

This image shows a close-up of a dish with two clear layers. The bottom layer is fried rice with small pieces of green peas and orange carrots scattered throughout, giving a mix of white, green, and orange colors. The top layer consists of small, glossy pieces of cooked chicken with a shiny dark brown glaze, arranged closely together over the rice. The dish is placed on a white plate, set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup BBQ sauce
¼ cup honey
1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken thighs or breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until browned.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey. Pour this mixture over the browned chicken in the skillet.
Step 3: Add the long-grain rice and chicken broth to the skillet, then stir gently to combine everything evenly.
Step 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet and cook on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Step 5: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the mixed vegetables on top of the rice and cover again to steam them until tender.
Step 6: Once done, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the BBQ sauce and honey mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
Use chicken breasts for a leaner option or thighs for juicier meat.
Swap the mixed vegetables for your favorite fresh vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added variety.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the BBQ sauce mixture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist during reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up image shows a white plate filled with cooked white rice mixed with small pieces of green peas, orange carrot bits, and scrambled eggs, creating a colorful base. On top is a thick layer of grilled chicken pieces that are coated in a shiny dark brown sauce, making them look moist and flavorful. The chicken pieces have a slightly charred texture with visible grill marks. The white marbled surface is softly blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of long-grain white rice?

Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust cooking time accordingly and make sure to cover the skillet tightly to allow proper steaming.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

While you can prepare the chicken and BBQ mixture ahead of time, it’s best to cook the rice fresh to ensure the best texture. You can also assemble the ingredients partially and refrigerate before cooking the rice.