This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken with Rice is a total winner! Juicy chicken cooked in sweet BBQ sauce, paired with fluffy rice, makes for a simple, tasty meal that’ll please everyone.
You’ll love how easy it is to clean up since everything cooks in one pan. Less fuss means more time to enjoy with family—grab a plate and dig in! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work great in this dish. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier, which I prefer. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use turkey breast instead!
Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal here for its texture. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, brown rice can be used, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and liquid slightly.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for the best flavor. If you’re out, homemade BBQ sauce or even teriyaki sauce can work. For a spicier kick, try adding some sriracha to your BBQ sauce.
Honey: Honey adds a nice sweetness. Maple syrup can be a good substitute if you’re out of honey. Adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference!
Onion & Garlic: Fresh is best, but you can use onion powder and garlic powder in a pinch. Use about 1 tsp of each if substituting.
How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Cooked and Flavorful?
Getting your chicken just right is crucial for this dish. Start by cooking it until it’s just browned but not fully cooked through. This helps keep it juicy. The remaining cooking time with the rice will finish the cooking process nicely.
- Always heat your skillet before adding chicken to get a nice sear.
- Stir occasionally, but don’t overdo it—let it settle a bit for even browning.
- Don’t rush the simmering step; cover the pan and let the flavors meld together.
Following these basic steps will help ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked and packed with flavor, complementing the rice beautifully!
One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken with Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Rice:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
- 2 tbsp honey
For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe should take about 10 minutes of prep time and 20–25 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at around 35–40 minutes from start to finish for a delicious, comforting meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Olive Oil:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. This will be the base for your frying, so make sure it’s nice and hot!
2. Sauté the Onion:
Add in the chopped onion and sauté it for 2–3 minutes until it turns translucent and aromatic. This step adds depth to your dish.
3. Cook the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Make sure not to let it burn!
4. Season the Chicken:
In a bowl, season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This will ensure they’re flavorful from the get-go!
5. Brown the Chicken:
Add the seasoned chicken to the pan and cook for about 4–5 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken is just browned, but not fully cooked through.
6. Add the Rice:
Next, stir in the rinsed rice and cook for about 1 minute to lightly toast the rice. This helps enhance flavor!
7. Combine the Liquid Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix together the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey until well combined. This will be the tasty sauce that brings everything together.
8. Pour the Sauce:
Pour the BBQ-honey sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and rice in the skillet. Make sure everything is well coated!
9. Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer for 15–18 minutes until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender.
10. Rest Off Heat:
Once done, remove the lid and stir gently to combine everything. Let it sit off the heat for about 5 minutes to absorb any remaining liquid, making the rice fluffy.
11. Garnish and Serve:
Before you serve, sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy your flavorful, easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken with Rice!
FAQ for One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken with Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Use 2 cups of chicken broth and increase the simmering time to about 25–30 minutes until the rice is tender.
What Type of BBQ Sauce Works Best?
Any BBQ sauce you love will work! Sweet, smoky, or spicy BBQ sauces can all add different flavor profiles. If you want to balance the sweetness, look for a sauce that has a bit of tang or acidity.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken, rice, and sauce mixture ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, just follow the instructions starting from step 8 to warm everything through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
