Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 10–15 minutes and add extra broth. Keep an eye on the liquid so it doesn’t dry out.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! It reheats like a dream. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs add even more flavor and stay super juicy. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Everyone Loves

Description

This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is the ultimate weeknight dinner—sweet, smoky, and saucy with minimal cleanup. Juicy chicken is simmered in a honey-infused BBQ sauce and cooked together with fluffy rice for a meal that’s full of comfort and big flavor. Ready in one pan, it’s perfect for busy families and BBQ lovers alike.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
1 ½ cups chicken broth
½ cup BBQ sauce (bold & smoky variety recommended)
2 tablespoons honey
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped green onions for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sear until golden on all sides (about 3–4 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add BBQ sauce and honey. Stir and let it bubble for 1–2 minutes to thicken slightly.
Add Rice & Broth: Stir in uncooked rice and chicken broth. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
Return the Chicken: Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20–25 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
Serve: Fluff the rice gently, top with chopped green onions, and serve warm.

Notes

Want extra heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mix.
This dish is great for meal prep—leftovers reheat beautifully!
You can substitute chicken thighs for even more flavor, just adjust the cook time slightly.
Use a nonstick or cast iron skillet for best results.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Category: Dinner
Method: One-Pan / Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 34 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg