One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

I’ve always loved meals that come together effortlessly in one pan, and this One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is a weeknight dream. It’s the kind of comfort food that satisfies with minimal cleanup, which is a huge win in my kitchen. The juicy chicken, glazed in a sticky-sweet honey BBQ sauce, pairs perfectly with tender, seasoned rice that soaks up every bit of flavor.

What I adore most is how this dish delivers big, bold taste with simple pantry staples. Whether I’m cooking for my family or hosting friends on a casual night in, this recipe never disappoints. It looks as good as it tastes, and the best part? It all comes together in under an hour without juggling multiple pots and pans.

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

It’s a fuss-free recipe that hits all the right notes—savory, sweet, and smoky in every bite. You get a wholesome balance of protein and carbs, making it satisfying enough on its own. Plus, it’s easily customizable for different taste preferences or dietary needs.

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What Kind of BBQ Sauce Should I Use?

You can use any store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce, but I recommend something with a smoky-sweet flavor profile to complement the honey. Hickory or mesquite styles work wonderfully here. If you like a bit of heat, go for a spicy BBQ version. Just make sure the sauce is thick enough to coat the chicken without becoming runny during cooking.

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Options for Substitutions

• Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for more juiciness.
• Brown rice can replace white rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid slightly.
• Maple syrup is a good substitute for honey if that’s what you have on hand.
• Vegan version: Try using tofu or a plant-based chicken alternative with vegetable broth.
• Low-sodium options: Choose low-sodium broth and BBQ sauce to reduce salt content.

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Ingredients for this One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – These are the lean protein base of the dish. Cut into chunks, they cook quickly and absorb the BBQ glaze beautifully.
• Long grain white rice – This type of rice cooks evenly and fluffs up nicely without turning mushy, perfect for soaking up all the sauce and juices.
• Chicken broth – Infuses the rice with flavor and keeps it moist while cooking.
• BBQ sauce – The star of the show. It brings bold, smoky, tangy notes to the chicken.
• Honey – Adds that sticky sweetness to balance out the tang of the BBQ sauce.
• Garlic powder – A touch of aromatic warmth that enhances the savory flavor.
• Onion powder – Builds on the seasoning base, giving depth to the dish.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken and rice.
• Olive oil – Used for browning the chicken to lock in flavor and get that golden color.
• Fresh parsley or green onions – Optional garnish for a pop of color and freshness.

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Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This ensures the flavor builds from the very start.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly browned but not fully cooked through.

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Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce and honey. Pour half of this mixture over the seared chicken and stir to coat. Let it caramelize slightly in the pan for 1–2 minutes.

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Step 4: Add Rice and Broth

Stir the uncooked rice into the skillet around the chicken. Pour chicken broth over the rice, gently mix, and bring everything to a simmer.

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Step 5: Bake It All Together

Cover the skillet with foil or a lid and transfer it to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

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Step 6: Glaze and Garnish

Once out of the oven, drizzle the remaining BBQ-honey sauce over the top. Let it rest uncovered for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.

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How Long to Prepare the One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

Prep Time: Preparing this dish takes around 10–15 minutes. This includes chopping the chicken, mixing the sauce, and measuring out the ingredients. If you prep in advance (like marinating the chicken or pre-mixing the sauce), it can be even quicker.

Cook Time: Once the skillet hits the oven, the cooking time is about 30–35 minutes. During this time, the rice cooks through while the chicken absorbs the flavors. Altogether, you're looking at a total time of approximately 45–50 minutes from start to finish.

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Tips for Perfect One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

• Use long grain rice for best results; shorter grains tend to become mushy.
• Brown the chicken just until it’s golden—it will finish cooking in the oven.
• Keep the skillet covered while baking to ensure the rice steams properly.
• Stir gently before serving to fluff the rice and coat everything evenly in sauce.
• Let it rest before serving so the flavors can settle and the rice can firm up.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Adding too much liquid: Stick to the suggested broth amount. Excess liquid will leave the rice soggy.
• Overcooking the chicken in the skillet: It only needs a quick sear before baking.
• Using thick-cut chicken: If chicken pieces are too large, they won’t cook evenly.
• Skipping the resting time: The final texture depends on letting the dish rest for at least 5 minutes.
• Using quick-cook rice: This throws off the timing and consistency. Stick with uncooked, long grain white rice.

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

1. Steamed Broccoli

A simple side that balances the sweetness of the dish with fresh crunch.

2. Cucumber Salad

Light, crisp, and tangy—great contrast to the sticky BBQ glaze.

3. Garlic Bread

Perfect for mopping up any extra sauce from the pan.

4. Grilled Corn on the Cob

Adds a smoky-sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with BBQ.

5. Coleslaw

Creamy and crunchy, this side brings a refreshing balance to the plate.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.

Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Meal Prep Tip: Portion into individual containers with a side of veggies for easy lunchboxes.

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Estimated Nutrition

Serving size: 1.5 cups (approximately)
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 690mg
Fiber: 1g
Cholesterol: 75mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the baking time and liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not inherently. It depends on the BBQ sauce you use. For heat, try a spicy or chipotle-flavored sauce.

Can I use frozen chicken?

If using frozen chicken, make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking to ensure even browning and baking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prep everything and refrigerate before baking. Add an extra 5–10 minutes to the bake time if starting cold.

What pan should I use?

Use a large, oven-safe skillet or a Dutch oven. Cast iron works great and helps with even heat distribution.

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Conclusion

One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is everything a busy cook needs—simple, flavorful, and satisfying with very little cleanup. Whether you're new to cooking or a seasoned pro looking for a quick weeknight fix, this dish fits the bill. It’s hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy to customize. Once you try it, it just might become your go-to meal for any night of the week.

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