One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice
Hey friend, if you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with sweet, smoky, and downright comforting flavors, this One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is about to steal your heart. Picture tender chicken coated in a sticky honey BBQ glaze, nestled on a bed of fluffy, flavorful rice all cooked in one pan yes, one pan! The aroma alone will have your mouth watering, and the ease of cleanup means you’ll have more time to kick back and savor every bite. Trust me, this one’s a total game-changer for weeknight dinners!
Why You’ll Love One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice
This recipe isn’t just about feeding your hunger; it’s about making dinner effortless and delicious — a real winner on busy days. Here’s what makes it so special:
Versatile: Swap chicken for pork or even tofu for a plant-based twist.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that pack a flavor punch.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes with just one pan to clean.
Customizable: Add veggies like bell peppers, corn, or peas to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: The sweet and tangy BBQ flavor hits all the right notes for both kids and adults.
Ingredients in One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice
Here’s the magic behind this wholesome, tasty dish:
Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Juicy and tender, perfect for soaking up that honey BBQ sauce.
Long Grain Rice: Cooks perfectly in the skillet, absorbing all those rich flavors.
Honey BBQ Sauce: Sweet, tangy, and smoky the star of the show.
Onion and Garlic: For a savory flavor base.
Chicken Broth: Keeps the rice moist and infuses extra depth.
Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding richness.
Salt and Pepper: To season everything just right.
Optional Add-Ins: Bell peppers, corn, peas, or fresh herbs for color and texture.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions
Let’s break down the steps for this simple yet flavorful skillet meal:
Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a large skillet over medium heat, getting it ready to sizzle that chicken to perfection.
Sear the Chicken: Season your chicken with salt and pepper, then sear it in olive oil until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside this locks in juicy flavor.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and soft.
Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the rice, coating it with the onion and garlic goodness. Pour in the chicken broth, then bring it to a gentle simmer.
Return Chicken to Skillet: Nestle the seared chicken back on top of the rice. Spoon honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and rice, making sure everything is nicely coated.
Cook Covered: Cover the skillet and let everything cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Finishing Touches: Remove the lid and let the dish sit a few minutes to thicken and let flavors meld. Add any optional veggies and stir gently to combine.
Serve and Enjoy: Spoon out generous servings of this sweet, savory, and comforting meal it’s pure happiness on a plate!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 400
(put them as notes)
(put them as notes)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies for a fresh contrast.
Add a dollop of creamy coleslaw to balance the sweet BBQ flavors.
Top with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for a burst of color and brightness.
Pair with cornbread or warm dinner rolls to soak up every last bit of sauce.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.
Don’t skip searing the chicken it really boosts the depth of flavor.
If your honey BBQ sauce is thick, thin it slightly with a bit of water or broth to coat evenly.
Add veggies halfway through cooking to keep them vibrant and crisp.
Let the dish rest covered off the heat for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
FAQ’s
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
- What other proteins work well in this recipe?
- Can I make this dish gluten-free?
- How do I store leftovers?
- Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
- What’s the best way to reheat without drying out the chicken?
- Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
- How spicy is this dish?
- Can I add vegetables like bell peppers or corn?
- Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Conclusion
There you have it a sweet, smoky, and satisfying One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice that’s as easy as it is delicious. Perfect for busy nights when you want a comforting home-cooked meal without the fuss. So grab your skillet, mix up that honey BBQ sauce, and get ready to wow your taste buds with this one-pan wonder that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite!
Print
One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
A flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken cooked in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce served over fluffy rice.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper and brown them in the skillet, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until translucent.
- Add rice and stir to coat in the oil and aromatics.
- Pour in chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey, stirring to combine.
- Return chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture.
- Cover skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is cooked and chicken is tender.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use boneless thighs for juicier chicken, but breasts can be substituted.
- Adjust honey and BBQ sauce quantities to taste for sweetness or tanginess.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra nutrition and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with rice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: honey BBQ chicken, one skillet meal, chicken and rice, easy dinner, BBQ chicken recipe