When it comes to weeknight dinners, it doesn’t get much easier (or tastier) than this One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts simmered in a tangy BBQ sauce with just the right touch of sweetness from honey, all layered over perfectly cooked rice. The best part? Everything is cooked in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

This dish brings all the flavors you love in BBQ chicken to the table with minimal effort. The smoky paprika and savory seasonings give the chicken a bold flavor, while the honey BBQ sauce adds a rich, sweet, and tangy finish. If you want to take it up a notch, the optional melted cheddar cheese adds a creamy, gooey touch that pairs perfectly with the smoky, sweet flavors.

Let’s break down how to make this dish in just a few simple steps, starting with the essential ingredients and the first stages of preparation.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. You’ll need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – These cook quickly and stay juicy in the sauce.
• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed – Rinsing the rice helps remove excess starch, ensuring that the rice cooks up fluffy and not sticky.
• 1 cup chicken broth – Adds moisture to the rice and infuses it with flavor as it simmers.
• 1 cup BBQ sauce – Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for this; sweet, smoky, or tangy, it’s all up to your taste.
• 2 tbsp honey – This adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the tanginess of the BBQ sauce.
• 1 tbsp olive oil – For searing the chicken and keeping it moist.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – A classic seasoning that adds depth and warmth.
• 1 tsp onion powder – Enhances the overall savory flavor of the dish.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika – The key ingredient for that smoky, rich flavor.
• Salt and pepper – To taste, for seasoning the chicken and rice.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional) – Adds a melty, cheesy layer for extra richness.
• ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish) – To brighten up the dish and add a bit of crunch.

STEP 1: SEAR THE CHICKEN

Start by heating olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Searing the chicken at the beginning helps to lock in the juices and gives it a nice golden crust.

While the oil is heating, season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure to coat each breast evenly with the seasoning to get that bold, flavorful crust. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Let them sear for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they’re browned and cooked through. When they’re ready, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

This step adds depth of flavor to the chicken and creates those savory browned bits at the bottom of the skillet that will be incorporated into the sauce later.

 

STEP 2: PREPARE THE BBQ SAUCE MIXTURE

In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Stir the ingredients together to combine, scraping up any of those browned bits left from searing the chicken. These bits add extra flavor to the sauce, so don’t skip this step. The sauce mixture will form the base for the rice to cook in, and the chicken will simmer on top, soaking in all that delicious flavor.

 

ASSEMBLE, SIMMER, AND FINISH – BRINGING THE FLAVORS TOGETHER

Now that the chicken is seared and the BBQ sauce mixture is ready, it’s time to finish assembling this One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. The beauty of this dish lies in how everything cooks together in one pan—allowing the flavors to meld while keeping the process simple and efficient. Let’s move on to the next steps that will bring the dish to life.

STEP 3: ADD THE RICE TO THE SKILLET

Once your BBQ sauce mixture is nicely stirred and combined, add the rinsed rice to the skillet. Give it a good stir to make sure the rice is evenly coated in the flavorful sauce mixture. This will allow the rice to absorb all the savory goodness as it simmers, making every bite a flavor-packed experience.

Make sure the rice is spread out evenly across the skillet, and that the liquid is mostly covering the rice. If needed, add a splash of additional chicken broth or water to make sure the rice has enough liquid to cook. You want the rice to simmer and absorb all the flavors while staying tender.

 

STEP 4: PLACE THE CHICKEN BACK INTO THE SKILLET

Now it’s time to bring the chicken back into the mix. Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice. The chicken will rest on the rice, absorbing the BBQ sauce as it cooks and infusing the entire dish with that smoky-sweet flavor.

Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the rice is tender. During this time, the rice will soak up the sauce, and the chicken will become more flavorful and juicy. The key here is to let everything cook slowly so the flavors can meld together beautifully.

STEP 5: ADD THE CHEESE (IF USING)

If you’re opting for that extra cheesy layer, now is the time to sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken. Make sure to do this about 5 minutes before the dish is done simmering. Cover the skillet again to let the cheese melt, creating a creamy, gooey topping that pairs perfectly with the smoky BBQ flavors.

If you’re not using cheese, feel free to skip this step. The dish is still incredibly flavorful without it!

 

STEP 6: LET THE DISH REST BEFORE SERVING

Once the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese has melted (if you’ve added it), remove the skillet from the heat. Let the dish sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow everything to set. This resting time helps the rice absorb any remaining liquid and makes it easier to serve.

STEP 7: GARNISH AND SERVE

To finish the dish, garnish with chopped green onions just before serving. The green onions add a fresh, crisp contrast to the richness of the chicken and rice. The pop of color also makes the dish look extra inviting.

Once garnished, you’re ready to serve this hearty, flavorful meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. The combination of tender chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, fluffy rice, and melted cheese creates a comforting meal that’s packed with bold flavors.

SERVING AND STORAGE TIPS:

• Serving: This dish is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad for added freshness.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to bring back the moisture.
• Freezing: If you want to make this ahead and freeze it, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat through in the oven or on the stove.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & FINAL THOUGHTS ON ONE PAN BOLD HONEY BBQ CHICKEN RICE:

Now that your One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is ready to serve, let’s go over some of the most common questions to make sure everything turns out perfectly. Whether you have questions about substitutions, leftovers, or customizing the recipe, this section will help you get the most out of this easy, flavorful dish.

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. They tend to be more tender and juicy, making them a great substitute. Keep in mind that thighs may take a little longer to cook, so you might need to simmer them for a few extra minutes to ensure they’re fully cooked.

2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can use brown rice, but be aware that it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid than white rice. If you’re using brown rice, you may need to increase the amount of chicken broth by about ½ cup and extend the simmering time to 35-40 minutes to ensure it cooks through. Make sure to check the rice for doneness before serving.

3. Can I make this dish without the cheese?

Absolutely! While the melted cheddar cheese adds a creamy, indulgent layer, the dish is still delicious without it. The BBQ sauce and peanut butter flavors will carry the dish on their own, so feel free to skip the cheese for a lighter version.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish works great as a make-ahead meal. You can prepare everything up until the simmering step, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist. If you plan to freeze it, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for up to 2 months.

5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! You can add vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrients. You can sauté the vegetables in the skillet before adding the chicken and rice, or stir them into the rice during the simmering step. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the vegetables you choose.

6. How can I make the sauce spicier?

If you like a little heat, you can add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture. Start with a small amount and taste as you go, adjusting until it reaches your desired spice level.

FINAL THOUGHTS: A SIMPLE, FLAVORFUL MEAL THAT EVERYONE WILL LOVE

This One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful and satisfying with minimal effort. The combination of smoky BBQ, sweet honey, and tender chicken makes for a truly comforting meal. The rice soaks up all the delicious sauce, making each bite extra flavorful.

The fact that everything cooks in one pan is a game-changer, making cleanup as easy as the preparation. Plus, the versatility of the recipe means you can customize it to your liking—whether it’s adding veggies, adjusting the spices, or leaving off the cheese.

I hope this recipe becomes a regular in your dinner rotation. It’s simple enough for everyday meals but special enough to serve at family gatherings or dinner parties. If you try it, let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear any variations or tips you’ve discovered along the way.

Here’s to easy, delicious, and flavorful meals that make life a little simpler and a lot tastier. Enjoy!

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