One pan honey BBQ chicken and rice is the dinner that saves me on chaotic weeknights. It’s cozy, bold, and shockingly simple. You get sticky, golden chicken coated in smoky-sweet sauce, nestled into perfectly fluffy rice—all from one skillet. No grill. No endless marinating. No pile of dishes.
This isn’t just a recipe. It’s the magic that happens when Moroccan home cooking collides with California comfort. With ingredients you probably already have, you’ll create a one pan honey BBQ chicken and rice that tastes like a backyard cookout but comes together in under 40 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids or just trying to stay sane, this is your go-to.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
WHY IT WORKS
A Skillet Full of Summer Memories
I came up with this one pan honey BBQ chicken and rice on a Tuesday that felt like a month. I missed the smoky flavors of summer grills and the balance of sweet-savory spice I grew up with in Marrakesh. So I pulled together pantry staples: chicken, rice, BBQ sauce, and honey. I didn’t have a grill, but I had a skillet and muscle memory.
As the rice simmered and the glaze thickened, my tiny San Diego kitchen smelled like something bigger—like home. That’s the beauty of this dish. You don’t need fancy tools or hours of prep. You just need one pan, a little intention, and bold flavor.
This recipe now joins other reader-loved one-pan meals like my garlic butter chicken bites with rice and cheesy garlic chicken wraps.
Why One Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice Always Succeeds
This dish checks every box:
- Everything cooks in one pan, which means fewer dishes and more depth of flavor.
- The rice absorbs not just broth, but the BBQ sauce, chicken juices, and honey—giving every bite sticky-sweet richness.
- You use pantry-friendly ingredients, like frozen veggies, bottled BBQ sauce, and rice.
- It’s fast, with no baking or grilling required.
- The method is forgiving. You can tweak the sweetness, swap proteins, or adjust veggies.
With a few smart techniques, this becomes a one-skillet wonder.
Pro tip: For better flavor and texture, always rinse your rice thoroughly. This rice rinsing guide from The Kitchn explains why it’s worth the extra step.
INGREDIENTS, TOOLS & STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Let’s keep things simple. Here’s what goes into this dish:
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes (thighs stay juicier)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed until the water runs clear
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or veggie broth)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (mesquite-style adds smokiness)
- ¼ cup honey (for that sweet-glazed finish)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
- 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive oil)
- Spice mix:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional garnish)
Don’t overthink the BBQ sauce brand—but if you’re curious, Serious Eats offers this breakdown of BBQ sauce styles.
Equipment Essentials
- Large skillet or Dutch oven with tight lid
- Wooden spoon (for scraping flavor-packed bits)
- Fine mesh strainer (to rinse your rice properly)
- Chef’s knife + cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
For another no-fuss meal, try my melt-in-your-mouth chicken recipe, a reader favorite for the same reason: simplicity meets comfort.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken & Spices
Cut the chicken into cubes. Mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
2. Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium-high. Season the chicken with half the spice mix and place it in the hot pan in a single layer. Sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
Need help with safe cooking temps? The USDA recommends 165°F for chicken.
3. Toast the Rice
Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining oil, rice, and the rest of the spice mix. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until the rice smells nutty and begins to turn translucent.
4. Simmer with Sauce
Pour in the broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits—this is where deep flavor lives. Bring to a gentle boil.
5. Combine & Cover
Nestle the chicken into the rice. Cover with a tight lid. Simmer on low for 15 minutes.
6. Add Veggies & Finish
Lift the lid quickly, scatter frozen veggies over the top, and cover again. Cook 5 more minutes.
7. Rest & Fluff
Turn off the heat. Let it rest covered for 5 minutes to finish steaming. Fluff gently with a fork. Garnish with green onions if you like.
PRO TIPS, VARIATIONS & ADAPTATIONS
Kitchen-Tested Tips for Perfect Results
After dozens of rounds in my kitchen, here are the tricks that make this one pan honey BBQ chicken and rice truly foolproof:
- Rinse your rice thoroughly. This removes excess starch and keeps the grains from clumping. Learn why rinsing matters in this detailed rice guide from The Kitchn.
- Use chicken thighs for juiciness. They’re more forgiving and stay tender even with a few extra minutes of simmering. If you’re torn between thighs and breasts, this comparison by Serious Eats is worth reading.
- Toast the rice before simmering. A quick stir over heat brings out a subtle, nutty flavor that adds depth.
- Don’t lift the lid while it cooks. Trust the process. Trapped steam is what cooks the rice evenly and keeps it fluffy.
- Rest before serving. Just five minutes of rest lets the rice finish steaming and soak up the last of the sauce. Don’t skip it.
Pro Tip: If your rice looks undercooked at the end, add 2–4 tablespoons of broth, cover, and simmer a few minutes longer. If it looks too wet, just rest it a little longer off heat.
Want to try another bold-flavored one-skillet meal? Don’t miss my creamy ranch chicken—it’s a crowd-pleaser too.
Easy Customizations for Any Pantry
This recipe is built for flexibility. Whether you’re changing ingredients for dietary reasons or just working with what you’ve got, these variations keep the results delicious:
| Swap This | For That | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White rice | Brown rice | Add ⅓ more broth and 10–12 extra mins cook time |
| Chicken broth | Vegetable broth or water + salt | Just bump the salt slightly if using water |
| BBQ sauce | Homemade or spicy variation | Try adding chipotle paste for heat |
| Honey | Maple syrup or brown sugar | Slightly different flavor but still sweet |
| Mixed veggies | Fresh bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli | Add near end to keep texture bright |
If you’re reducing sugar, simply use half the honey or add a splash of apple cider vinegar after cooking to balance the flavors.
Also, if you enjoy exploring protein variations, this recipe works great with smoked sausage or shrimp—just add shrimp during the final 5 minutes to avoid overcooking.
SERVING IDEAS, STORAGE
Serving Suggestions to Complete the Meal
While this dish stands beautifully on its own, here are a few effortless sides and toppings that can take it to the next level:
- Crisp green salad with vinaigrette – balances the sweetness with acidity
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls – for scooping up every last drop
- Lime wedges or fresh herbs – brighten the dish with a pop of flavor
- Sprinkle of shredded cheddar – melts into the rice for extra richness
For a full comfort-food spread, pair it with my loaded potato soup or grab ideas from this guide on what to serve with chicken noodle soup—those veggie sides work beautifully here too.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
One pan honey BBQ chicken and rice actually improves with time. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
To Store:
Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
- Microwave: Add a splash of broth or water and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Reheat gently over low with a bit of added liquid. Cover to steam the rice back to life.
Freezing Tips:
Freeze individual portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
If you enjoy make-ahead meals, you’ll also love my high-protein chicken noodle soup—it reheats like a dream and packs real nourishment.
FAQs About One Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! Just increase the broth by ⅓ cup and simmer longer (about 25–30 minutes total). Brown rice has a chewier texture and needs more liquid and time.
How can I make this less sweet?
Cut the honey in half and use a tangier BBQ sauce. For even more balance, add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar after cooking—it sharpens the flavors beautifully.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can substitute water. Just add an extra ¼–½ teaspoon of salt. Vegetable broth works well too and is especially good for lighter flavor or vegetarian swaps.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It stores beautifully and the flavors deepen overnight. Just reheat with a splash of broth and fluff gently to restore the texture.
One Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Drain well.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle half the spice mix over the chicken. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the rinsed rice and remaining spice mix. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until aromatic and slightly translucent.
- Pour in chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Stir thoroughly, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Return seared chicken to the skillet. Nestle into the rice, cover with lid, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Lift the lid quickly, add mixed vegetables evenly, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork and garnish with green onions if using.
Nutrition
Notes
Rinse rice well to avoid gumminess.
Toasting rice adds flavor depth and prevents clumping.
Avoid lifting the lid while simmering—steam ensures even cooking.
Resting time allows moisture to finish absorbing and ensures fluffy texture.