One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. One-Pan Wonder : Minimal cleanup makes this dish as practical as it is indulgent.
  2. Bold Flavors : The honey BBQ sauce adds sweetness, tanginess, and a touch of spice.
  3. Hearty & Filling : A satisfying mix of protein, carbs, and veggies in every bite.
  4. Customizable : Add your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
  5. Kid-Friendly : Even picky eaters will devour this sweet and savory dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Serves 4–6

For the Dish:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts , cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier twist)
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion , diced
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1 red bell pepper , sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
  • Salt and pepper , to taste

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Pan

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or deep pan over medium heat.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the hot skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes , or until lightly browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes , until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. If using bell peppers, add them now and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Rice and Broth

  1. Stir in the uncooked rice, ensuring it’s coated with the oil and vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and stir gently to combine.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Chicken

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey. Pour half of the sauce over the rice mixture, reserving the rest for later.
  2. Return the chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture.

Step 6: Simmer Until Cooked

  1. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 18–20 minutes , or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid stirring during this time to prevent the rice from becoming sticky.

Step 7: Add Veggies and Finish

  1. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas and carrots (if using). Cover and let them heat through.
  2. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Drizzle the reserved BBQ sauce over the top for extra flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

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