One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

When the sun starts to dip and you’re craving something warm, hearty, and rich with flavor—but don’t want to spend all evening cooking—this One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is the answer. Whether you’re wrapping up a long workday, planning a casual weekend dinner, or looking for a stress-free meal for guests, this dish brings bold BBQ charm and satisfying comfort all in one skillet.

The inspiration for this recipe comes from those Southern summer cookouts—where BBQ sauce is practically a love language—and cozy weeknights when simple yet flavorful meals are the ultimate goal. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights and bold enough to impress at the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ One-Pan Wonder

Say goodbye to piles of dirty dishes. This recipe keeps it delicious and easy with only one skillet to clean. Less time cleaning, more time enjoying.

✅ Sweet and Smoky Flavor

The combo of rich BBQ sauce and honey is chef’s kiss—it strikes the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and smoky in every bite.

✅ Hearty and Healthy

With lean protein, fiber-rich rice, and colorful vegetables, this is a full meal in one. No side dish needed (unless you want seconds!).

✅ Customizable

Prefer spicy over sweet? Swap the BBQ sauce. Want more veggies? Throw them in. This dish is flexible and forgiving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a look at the flavor-packed, pantry-friendly ingredients that make this recipe shine:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts – Thighs offer extra juiciness, but breasts work great for leaner meals.
• 1 cup long-grain rice – Fluffy, filling, and the perfect partner to soak up all the flavors.
• 2 cups chicken broth – Infuses the rice with savory depth.
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce – Choose your favorite—smoky, spicy, or sweet.
• 1/4 cup honey – Adds natural sweetness and balances the smoky BBQ.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – For savory, garlicky warmth.
• 1 tsp onion powder – Adds a subtle sweetness and umami.
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika – Gives it that irresistible smoky kick.
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup mixed vegetables – Frozen or fresh, your choice.
• Chopped green onions or parsley (optional) – For a pop of color and freshness.

🌟 Pro Tip: Want a spicier kick? Add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ-honey mix.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This dish comes together in five easy steps. No complicated methods, just simple, honest cooking that tastes like a lot more effort than it actually takes.

1. Sear the Chicken

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Lightly oil the pan if necessary. Season the chicken on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear for about 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and slightly crispy.

🔥 You want to lock in the flavor by searing the chicken—it doesn’t have to be fully cooked yet, as it’ll finish cooking with the rice.

2. Add the Sauce

While the chicken sears, mix BBQ sauce and honey in a small bowl. Pour this sweet and smoky blend over the browned chicken in the skillet, coating each piece evenly.

3. Stir in Rice and Broth

CONTINUE READING ON THE NEXT PAGE 🥰💕