One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

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Juicy honey BBQ chicken bites nestled over a bed of flavorful rice — all cooked in a single pan. This easy weeknight dinner is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that saves you time and effort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers a sweet, smoky kick in every bite.

What makes this recipe so comforting is the perfect balance of sticky honey BBQ glaze with tender chicken and rice that soaks up every bit of flavor. It’s bold, satisfying, and rich without being complicated. Plus, everything comes together in just one pan — fewer dishes, more flavor.

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

• One-pan wonder – Less mess, less stress.
• Perfectly balanced flavors – Sweet honey and smoky BBQ create an irresistible glaze.
• Family-friendly – Kids and adults alike love it.
• Meal prep approved – Stores and reheats beautifully.
• Quick & easy – On the table in under an hour.

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What Kind of BBQ Sauce Should I Use?

Go with a thick, smoky-style BBQ sauce that holds up well when simmered. Look for sauces labeled “hickory,” “mesquite,” or “bold” to deepen the flavor. If you like heat, add a little chipotle or use a spicy BBQ base. Honey balances it all with a touch of sweetness — you can even make your own mix with your favorite sauce and a drizzle of real honey.

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Ingredients for the One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Each ingredient in this dish plays a flavorful role in building a bold, balanced, and savory meal:

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts – Tender and juicy, they soak up the honey BBQ glaze beautifully.
• Olive oil – For searing the chicken and adding a smooth, rich base.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing the chicken.
• Garlic (minced) – Adds depth and savory aroma to the dish.
• BBQ sauce – The bold base that ties the entire dish together. Pick your favorite brand.
• Honey – Balances the smoky BBQ with a touch of sweetness.
• Chicken broth – Infuses the rice with rich flavor while it cooks.
• Uncooked long grain rice – Absorbs all the flavors and gives the dish body.
• Green onions – Fresh and sharp, sprinkled on top for contrast and color.

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

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear each piece for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Stir in BBQ sauce and honey, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Rice and Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and uncooked rice. Stir to combine and bring to a low simmer.

Step 4: Nest the Chicken Back In

Place the seared chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture. Cover the pan with a lid or foil.

Step 5: Cook Everything Together

Reduce heat to low and cook for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Remove from heat, uncover, and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.

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How to Serve and Store One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

This dish is perfect as a filling main meal and serves around 4–6 people, depending on portion size. Serve it straight from the pan to keep things simple and rustic. It’s a great option for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or make-ahead weekday meals.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions and reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

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

Steamed Broccoli

Its bright green color and mild flavor balance the richness of the BBQ glaze.

Coleslaw

Crunchy, tangy coleslaw adds a fresh contrast to the sticky chicken.

Roasted Corn on the Cob

Sweet roasted corn makes a fun and flavorful side dish.

Garlic Bread

To soak up all the extra sauce and make the meal more hearty.

Cucumber Salad

A cool and crisp pairing to cleanse the palate.

Pickled Jalapeños

For those who love a kick — great with the sweetness of the honey BBQ.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

Naturally sweet and satisfying, they round out the meal beautifully.

Lemonade or Iced Tea

A refreshing drink helps balance the bold, smoky-sweet flavors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover rice instead of cooking it in the pan?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid. Instead of adding chicken broth, use just enough BBQ sauce and honey to coat the rice and reheat gently. Add the cooked chicken and mix everything well.

What’s the best chicken cut to use?
Boneless skinless chicken thighs offer more flavor and stay juicy, but breasts work just as well for a leaner option. Be sure not to overcook either cut.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep. You can cook it, cool it, and portion it into containers. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?
Yes! Add hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or use a spicy BBQ sauce base to turn up the heat without compromising flavor.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner ideas board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use a spicy BBQ or go for classic? Did you add extra veggies?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook better, together.

Find more quick & flavorful recipes on my Pinterest @mealsweshare

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Conclusion

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is the kind of no-fuss, full-flavor meal that turns an average night into something memorable. It’s bold, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying — all in one skillet. From the sticky-sauced chicken to the flavor-packed rice, every bite is comfort food at its finest.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or prepping ahead, this is one recipe you’ll be glad to have in your back pocket.

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