One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

by
One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken served with rice for a quick, tasty meal.
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

I love easy weeknight meals and One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is one of my favorites. I make it when I want a full meal with almost no fuss, and I often pair it with my high-protein honey BBQ chicken mac and cheese for big family nights. The sauce is sweet and tangy and the rice soaks up all the flavor.

Your Ingredients List

  • 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil

My Go-To Equipment

I use a large nonstick or cast iron skillet with a tight lid. I keep a wooden spoon and a small bowl for the sauce mix. When I need tips on pan size and heat, I check notes from my creamy smothered chicken and rice recipe for ideas.

The Simple Steps to Follow

  • Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  • Add chopped onions and bell pepper and sauté until soft.
  • Add chicken and cook until browned on both sides.
  • In a bowl, mix honey and BBQ sauce and pour over the chicken.
  • Add rice and chicken broth to the pan and stir well.
  • Bring to a boil then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Check that rice is cooked and chicken is tender.
  • Season with salt and pepper before serving.

image e1770649013181 One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

Healthy Twists on a Classic

I swap white rice for brown rice for more fiber. I trim visible fat from the chicken and use low-sugar BBQ sauce to cut the sugar. For more veg, stir in a handful of spinach at the end so it wilts into the hot rice.

Serving Suggestions From My Table

I like a crisp green salad and roasted carrots with this dish. When I want a heartier plate, I serve it alongside my broccoli rice cheese and chicken casserole for extra comfort and veggies.

Getting It Just Right

Keep the heat medium to avoid burning the sauce. If the rice is still firm after 20 minutes, add a splash more broth and cook a few minutes longer. Let the pan rest off the heat for five minutes to let the flavors settle.

How to Store Leftovers

Cool leftovers quickly and place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to four days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to revive the rice.

Enjoy Every Moment

I like to eat this with family around the table. It feels simple and made with care. I hope you make it your own and enjoy the warm, sweet sauce.

A Few Common Questions

How long does One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice take to cook?

It takes about 30 to 35 minutes total. You will brown the chicken first and then simmer the rice and chicken for about 20 minutes until the rice is done.

Can I use frozen chicken for One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice?

You can, but I do not recommend it. Thaw the chicken first so it cooks evenly and browns well. Frozen chicken can release extra water and change cook time.

Is One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice freezer friendly?

Yes. Cool the dish fully, then freeze in a sealed container for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove with a little broth.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
one pan honey bbq chicken and rice 2026 02 09 133645 1 One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

  • Author: sarah
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free
Print Recipe

Description

An easy weeknight meal featuring honey BBQ chicken and fluffy rice cooked together in one pan.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onions and bell pepper and sauté until soft.
  3. Add chicken and cook until browned on both sides.
  4. In a bowl, mix honey and BBQ sauce and pour over the chicken.
  5. Add rice and chicken broth to the pan and stir well.
  6. Bring to a boil then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
  7. Check that rice is cooked and chicken is tender.
  8. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Notes

For a healthier twist, swap white rice for brown rice, trim fat from chicken, and use low-sugar BBQ sauce. Stir in spinach at the end for extra veggies.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: one-pan, chicken, BBQ, weeknight meal

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!