Name: One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced into bite-sized cubes; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cups chicken broth (or water); 1/2 cup bold BBQ sauce (sweet or smoky variety); Optional: 1 tbsp honey or hot sauce to adjust sweetness or heat

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Introduction

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is an easy, flavorful meal that combines juicy seared chicken with tender rice simmered in a luscious BBQ sauce. This dish balances sweet, smoky, and savory notes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.

A close-up view of a black pan filled with cooked white rice mixed with small browned chicken pieces, evenly spread across the top. The chicken pieces have a shiny brown glaze with slightly charred edges, contrasting with the fluffy, slightly oily rice underneath. The texture of the rice looks soft and slightly sticky, while the chicken pieces appear firm and juicy. The background shows a bit of a stovetop in soft focus, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced
1 cup long-grain white rice
3/4 cup BBQ sauce (bold, sweet, or smoky variety)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
2 cups chicken broth or water
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 tbsp honey or hot sauce for extra sweetness or heat

Instructions

Step 1: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika if desired.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
Step 4: Add the rice to the pan and stir to coat it evenly with the oil and aromatics. Toast the rice briefly, then pour in the chicken broth or water. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 5: Return the seared chicken to the pan. Stir in the BBQ sauce until well combined. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer gently for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 6: Remove the pan from heat. Uncover and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. For extra caramelized BBQ flavor, drizzle additional sauce on top and broil in an oven-safe pan for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs for more tender, juicy results, or breasts for a leaner option.
Add diced bell peppers or corn along with the onion for extra color and texture.
Swap white rice for brown rice—just increase the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
Adjust sweetness or heat by adding honey or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce before cooking.

Storage

Store leftover chicken rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a dish with two layers: the bottom layer is light brown cooked rice with a soft texture, filling the whole plate, and the top layer consists of many small pieces of grilled chicken covered in a shiny, dark brown sauce, with some small green herbs sprinkled on top for garnish. The dish is served in a white plate with a smooth rim, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, thaw completely before dicing and cooking.

What type of BBQ sauce works best?

Choose a bold, flavorful BBQ sauce that you enjoy. Sweet or smoky varieties both work well—feel free to experiment with your favorite brands or homemade sauce.