Honey BBQ Chicken Rice – The Best 1-Pan Family Dinner (50 Min)

Why You’ll Love Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a true weeknight hero. Juicy chicken, smoky-sweet BBQ sauce, and fluffy rice all cook together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. It’s hearty, kid-friendly, and packed with flavor — no sides needed! In just under an hour, you’ll have a wholesome dinner that feels comforting yet simple enough for busy evenings.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked, rinsed)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 2 cups chicken broth (warm)

• 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella (optional, for topping)

• Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

3. Season chicken with paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden (doesn’t need to be fully cooked). Remove and set aside.

4. In the same pan, sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened (about 3 minutes).

5. Stir in rice, coating it in the aromatics. Pour in chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Mix well.

6. Return chicken pieces to the pan, nestling them into the rice mixture.

7. Cover tightly with a lid (or foil) and bake in the oven for 30–35 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

8. If using cheese, sprinkle on top and bake uncovered for another 5 minutes until melted.

9. Garnish with parsley or green onions. Serve warm straight from the pan!

Servings & Timing

• Servings: 4–5

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Spicy kick: Add jalapeños or extra chili powder.

• Veggie boost: Stir in corn, peas, or spinach before baking.

• Low-carb version: Swap rice with riced cauliflower (reduce baking time).

• Different protein: Try with shrimp, sausage, or even tofu.

Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days.

• Freeze portions for up to 2 months (thaw overnight before reheating).

• Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of broth to keep rice moist.

FAQs

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, but increase broth to 2 ½ cups and bake closer to 50–55 minutes.

Q: Can I make this on the stovetop instead of the oven?
A: Yes! After adding broth and chicken, cover and simmer gently on low until rice is cooked (about 25 minutes).

Q: What BBQ sauce works best?
A: A smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce pairs beautifully, but you can use spicy or tangy varieties depending on preference.

Conclusion

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a family-friendly, one-pan dinner that’s both comforting and stress-free. With tender chicken, flavorful rice, and the perfect balance of sweet and smoky, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. Quick prep, minimal cleanup, and maximum flavor — what’s not to love?

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice – The Best 1-Pan Family Dinner (50 Min)

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This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a cozy, family-friendly dinner that’s cooked in just one pan. Juicy chicken, sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, and fluffy rice come together for a flavorful meal that’s both hearty and easy to clean up. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort food without the hassle!

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Dinner
• Method: One-Pan
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• For the Chicken & Marinade:
• 1 1/2 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• For the Rice:
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice (uncooked, rinsed)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced (optional)
• To Finish:
• Extra BBQ sauce for brushing
• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

• In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and coat well. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).
• Heat a large oven-safe skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned (it won’t be fully cooked yet). Remove and set aside.
• In the same pan, add olive oil, onion, and garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
• Stir in rice, chicken broth, corn, and bell peppers. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
• Nestle chicken back into the rice mixture. Brush with extra BBQ sauce on top.
• Cover with a lid (or foil) and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes, until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
• Remove lid, brush chicken with more BBQ sauce, and broil for 2–3 minutes for a caramelized finish (optional).
• Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve hot.

Notes

• Swap chicken thighs for drumsticks or breasts, adjusting cooking time slightly.
• Use brown rice, but increase broth to 3 1/2 cups and bake an extra 10–15 minutes.
• For a spicy kick, add 1 tsp chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade.
• Leftovers reheat beautifully—store in the fridge for up to 3 days.