One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

In the world of comforting home-cooked meals, few dishes hit the sweet spot like One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. This savory-sweet, flavor-packed recipe brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, sticky BBQ glaze—all in a single pan. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly practical for weeknights, feeding the whole family with minimal effort and even less cleanup.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and one pan, you can create a meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare. And if you’re wondering whether one-pan cooking is actually healthier or just more convenient, check out this guide on the nutritional benefits of one-pan meals from Healthline.

If you’re new to cooking chicken and worried about food safety, don’t worry. The USDA outlines everything you need to know about safe internal temperature for chicken, so you can cook with confidence and peace of mind.

Why Choose One-Pan Meals?

One-pan recipes like this one are gaining serious traction—and for good reason:

• Minimal cleanup (just one dish!)
• Evenly blended flavors due to shared cooking space
• Time-saving from prep to plate
• Great for meal prep or large families

What Makes Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Special?

This dish isn’t just about throwing chicken and rice into a pot. It’s about how the sticky honey, smoky BBQ sauce, and savory broth come together to form a sauce that permeates every bite of fluffy, tender rice.

• Honey balances the tanginess of BBQ sauce
• Chicken adds satisfying protein and rich flavor
• Rice acts as a neutral base, soaking up all the juices
• Spices like garlic powder and onion powder round it all out

And to make sure your rice turns out perfectly every time, follow this detailed guide on how to cook rice to perfection in a skillet from The Kitchn.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to make One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (smoky or sweet)
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Season cubed chicken with salt and pepper. Sauté until browned (about 5–7 minutes), then remove from the pan.
3. In the same pan, toast the rice for 2 minutes.
4. Add chicken broth, BBQ sauce, honey, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir to combine.
5. Return the chicken to the pan and nestle it into the rice mixture.
6. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low.
7. Cook for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
8. Let sit for 5 minutes covered, then fluff rice with a fork.
9. Garnish with green onions and serve.

Optional Add-Ins and Variations

Want to get creative? Try these customizations:

• Add a kick with crushed red pepper flakes
• Use smoked BBQ sauce for deeper flavor
• Swap in brown rice (adjust cooking time and broth)
• Stir in frozen peas or corn for color and nutrients
• Try with quinoa or cauliflower rice for dietary needs

Nutritional Breakdown

This recipe is surprisingly balanced for how comforting it tastes:

• ~400–500 calories per serving
• High in lean protein
• Moderate complex carbohydrates
• Can be adjusted for low sugar or gluten-free diets

Substitute BBQ sauce with lower-sugar options or make your own to control sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Make this dish a full meal with simple side dishes:

• Green salad with vinaigrette to cut the richness
• Steamed green beans or roasted carrots for fiber
• Crusty bread to soak up extra sauce
• A cold glass of iced tea or lemonade as a refreshment

How to Store and Reheat

Leftovers? You’re in luck.

• Store in airtight container for up to 4 days
• Reheat in microwave or skillet with splash of broth
• Can freeze for up to 2 months

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make sure your dish is a hit every time:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan with too much chicken
• Toast the rice before adding liquid—it boosts flavor!
• Use correct rice-to-liquid ratio
• Don’t lift the lid too often while cooking

FAQs

Can you cook raw chicken with rice in the same pan?
Yes! As long as you ensure the chicken is fully cooked (165°F), it’s safe and efficient.

What rice is best for one-pan dishes?
Long-grain white rice works best, but jasmine or brown rice can be used with timing adjustments.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, but add it only during the last 5 minutes so it doesn’t dry out.

How do I make BBQ sauce less sweet?
Balance it with a splash of vinegar or mustard for acidity.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just use a larger skillet or Dutch oven and adjust cook time slightly.

Creative Flavors to Try

Here are a few fun spins on the original:

• Asian-inspired: Swap BBQ sauce for teriyaki, add ginger and sesame oil
• Tex-Mex: Use taco seasoning, corn, and black beans
• Mediterranean: Use oregano, lemon, and olives

Final Thoughts

One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is the ultimate comfort dish—easy, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this recipe delivers.

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