One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

There’s something magical about a meal that comes together in a single pan. As a mom of two busy kids, I live for recipes that deliver big flavor without a sink full of dishes. That’s exactly why this One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice has become a staple in our weekly rotation. It’s the kind of easy one pan chicken dinner that feels both comforting and exciting—a saucy, savory, slightly sweet hug in a bowl that everyone, from toddlers to adults, absolutely adores. The best part? You likely have most of the ingredients sitting in your pantry right now.

If you’re tired of the same old chicken and rice, this bold honey BBQ chicken recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s a simple one pan meal that transforms humble ingredients into something truly special. The rice cooks right in the same pan as the chicken, soaking up all those incredible honey BBQ juices and becoming incredibly flavorful. It’s a weeknight chicken and rice hero that requires minimal effort for maximum reward.

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Ingredients

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice starts with a handful of simple, flavorful ingredients that come together to create a truly memorable meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken & Marinade:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce & Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (like Jasmine or Basmati), rinsed
• 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced

For Garnish (Optional):

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Smart Swaps: No chicken broth? Use water with an extra ½ teaspoon of salt. For a spicier kick, use a spicy BBQ sauce or add a pinch of cayenne to the marinade. You can easily make this a Greek-inspired sheet pan dinner by swapping the BBQ sauce for lemon juice and oregano.

Recipe Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

This one pan chicken rice bake comes together in under an hour, making it about 30% faster than many traditional baked casseroles.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

Follow these simple steps for a foolproof, flavorful dinner.

1. 
   

   Season the Chicken. In a medium bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This quick marinade builds a foundation of flavor.

   
   
2. 
   

   Sear the Chicken. Heat a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this stage. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

   
   
3. 
   

   Sauté the Aromatics. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step is crucial for building depth of flavor in your easy one pan meal.

   
   
4. 
   

   Combine Sauce and Rice. Pour the rinsed rice into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to coat the rice in the pan juices. Then, add the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir everything together until well combined. Pro Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—that’s pure flavor!

   
   
5. 
   

   Bake to Perfection. Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer on the stovetop, then cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil. Transfer it to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

   
   
6. 
   

   Rest and Serve. Carefully remove the skillet from the oven (remember the handle is hot!). Let the One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to finish absorbing any remaining liquid and become perfectly fluffy. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with green onions and parsley, and serve immediately.

   
   

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, serves 4)

This is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

• Calories: ~520
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 68g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 2g

This dish is a great source of protein from the chicken. The honey provides natural sweetness, while the vegetables add a dose of vitamins A and C.

Equipment Needed for This Simple One Pan Meal

• A large, oven-safe skillet (12-inch is ideal) or a Dutch oven. This is the key to the “one-pan” magic.
• Cutting board and a sharp knife.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• A medium mixing bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Recipe

• Minimal Cleanup: One pan means one pan to wash. It’s the ultimate win on a busy weeknight.
• Big, Balanced Flavor: The combination of smoky BBQ, sweet honey, and savory spices is absolutely irresistible.
• Family-Friendly: This is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will devour.
• Meal Prep Hero: It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunches throughout the week.
• Incredibly Adaptable: You can easily swap proteins, veggies, or sauces to suit your taste, much like the versatility you find in this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan recipe.

Healthier Alternatives for Your One Pan Chicken Dinner

Want to lighten things up? It’s easy!

• Lower Sugar: Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce and reduce the honey by half, substituting with a touch of chicken broth.
• Brown Rice: Substitute long-grain brown rice. You will need to increase the chicken broth to 2 ¼ cups and the bake time to 40-45 minutes.
• More Veggies: Stir in a cup of frozen corn or black beans during the last 5 minutes of baking. You can also add chopped zucchini or broccoli florets when you add the onions and peppers.
• Leaner Protein: Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a lower-fat option.

Serving Suggestions for Your Weeknight Chicken and Rice

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also wonderful with a few simple sides.

• For a Fresh Contrast: Serve with a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some quick-pickled red onions to cut through the richness.
• For Extra Comfort: A side of warm, buttered cornbread or dinner rolls is perfect for sopping up any extra sauce.
• Toppings Bar: Set out extra BBQ sauce, hot sauce, sliced jalapeños, and shredded cheese so everyone can customize their bowl.
• If you love the convenience of this dish, you might also enjoy the hands-off approach of The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken for another effortless dinner option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with One Pan Chicken Rice Bake

• Not Rinsing the Rice: Rinsing removes excess starch and prevents the final dish from becoming gummy. Don’t skip this quick step!
• Using the Wrong Pan: Make sure your skillet is truly oven-safe. Plastic handles will melt! If you don’t have one, you can transfer the mixture to a baking dish before going into the oven.
• Peeking During Baking: Resist the urge to lift the lid! This lets out precious steam that the rice needs to cook properly. Trust the process.
• Skipping the Sear: Searing the chicken first adds a deep, caramelized flavor that you just can’t get from boiling or baking it alone.

Storing Tips for Your Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

• Refrigerator: Let the dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: This one pan honey BBQ chicken rice freezes very well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the rice moist. You can also reheat it in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. For another great make-ahead option, check out this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes.

The Easiest Weeknight Dinner Conclusion

This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice truly is a game-changer for busy nights. It’s the perfect combination of ease, flavor, and comfort, all while keeping your cleanup to an absolute minimum. I hope this recipe finds a happy home in your kitchen and brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine.

I’d love to hear how your one pan chicken dinner turns out! Leave a comment below and tell me all about it. And don’t forget to snap a photo and tag @StackSipSnack on Pinterest so I can see your delicious creation

FAQs about One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

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