
This One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is the kind of dinner that saves busy nights and still feels comforting and satisfying. Juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and a sticky-sweet honey BBQ sauce all cook together in one pan, soaking up layers of flavor as they simmer. The result is a bold, sweet-and-smoky meal with minimal cleanup and maximum comfort.
Itβs hearty enough for family dinner, simple enough for weeknights, and perfect for meal prep. If you love recipes that deliver big flavor without piles of dishes, this one deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season chicken with salt and pepper and mix BBQ sauce with honey.
- Sear chicken in oil until golden, then remove from skillet.
- SautΓ© onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in rice and chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
- Return chicken, add honey BBQ sauce, cover and simmer until rice is tender.
- Stir in vegetables, garnish, and serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why Youβll Love This Recipe
One Pan, Less Cleanup
Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means fewer dishes and deeper flavor as the ingredients build on each other.
Sweet & Savory Balance
Honey adds natural sweetness while BBQ sauce brings smoky depthβtogether they create an irresistible glaze.
Weeknight-Friendly
From prep to plate in under 45 minutes, using simple grocery-store ingredients.
Great for Leftovers
The rice absorbs even more flavor overnight, making reheated portions just as good the next day.
Ingredients Youβll Need
For the Main Dish
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- Β½ cup BBQ sauce
- ΒΌ cup honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Extra drizzle of honey or BBQ sauce (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and season generously with salt and black pepper.
In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce and honey until smooth. Set aside.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and sear 3β4 minutes per side until golden (it does not need to be fully cooked).
Remove chicken and set aside.
3. SautΓ© the Aromatics
Add remaining oil to the skillet.
SautΓ© onion and garlic for 2β3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add bell pepper if using and cook another minute.
4. Add Rice & Liquid
Stir rice into the skillet and toast lightly for 30 seconds.
Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the bottom.
5. Simmer Everything Together
Return chicken to the skillet and pour honey BBQ sauce over the top.
Stir gently, cover, and reduce heat to low.
Simmer 18β20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. Finish & Serve
Stir in peas and carrots during the last 5 minutes, if using.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Garnish with fresh herbs and extra honey or BBQ sauce if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp green salad to balance the sweetness
- Add roasted broccoli or green beans on the side
- Sprinkle with shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack for extra richness
Pro Tips for Success
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness and deeper flavor
- Do not lift the lid while rice cooks to ensure proper steaming
- For brown rice, increase broth to 2Β½ cups and cook 10β15 minutes longer
- Spicy twist: add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ glaze
Final Thoughts
This One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice delivers everything a great weeknight dinner should: bold flavor, simple steps, and easy cleanup. The honey-glazed BBQ sauce coats every bite, the rice turns fluffy and savory, and the chicken stays tender and juicy.
Itβs cozy, dependable, and endlessly satisfyingβexactly the kind of recipe youβll come back to again and again.





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