One-Pan Bold Honey Bbq Chicken Rice Recipe

Sizzling One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe That Wows

Crafting a mouth-watering one-pan bold honey bbq chicken rice dish promises culinary magic in your kitchen.

Weeknight dinners just got seriously delicious with this simple yet incredible recipe.

Succulent chicken pieces nestle perfectly alongside fluffy rice, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors.

Home cooks can easily master this straightforward meal that combines classic comfort with exciting taste profiles.

Minimal cleanup means you spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your delectable creation.

Pantry staples and a single skillet are all you need to whip up this irresistible dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this recipe and watch pure dinner magic unfold before your eyes.

What Makes One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Great

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Enjoy a complete dinner using just one skillet, minimizing cleanup and saving precious kitchen time for busy families and individuals.
  • Flavor Explosion: Combines sweet honey, tangy BBQ sauce, and zesty spices to create a mouthwatering chicken and rice dish that satisfies multiple taste cravings in a single bite.
  • Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by switching protein types, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables to match personal preferences and dietary needs.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Delivers a delicious, restaurant-quality meal in less than 30 minutes, perfect for hectic schedules and spontaneous dinner cravings.

Ingredients for One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Pieces: Lean protein that serves as the main star of this one-pan dish, absorbing the bold BBQ flavors.
For the Sauce Base:
  • Barbecue Sauce, Honey, Soy Sauce, Apple Cider Vinegar: Creates a sweet, tangy, and savory sauce that coats the chicken with rich, caramelized flavor.
For the Seasonings:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes: Adds depth, warmth, and a subtle kick of spice to enhance the overall taste profile.
For the Cooking Liquids:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking surface and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
For the Starch:
  • Cooked Rice: Serves as a hearty base that soaks up the delicious BBQ sauce.
For the Garnish:
  • Green Onions: Adds a fresh, crisp finish and a pop of color to the completed dish.

Instructions for One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the chicken pieces with:
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Smoked paprika

Cook the chicken until golden brown and completely done, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 2: Whip Up the Tangy Glaze

In a separate bowl, blend together:
  • Barbecue sauce
  • Honey
  • Soy sauce
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Red pepper flakes

Whisk the ingredients until they form a smooth, glossy mixture.

Step 3: Coat and Caramelize

Pour the vibrant sauce over the cooked chicken.

Toss and stir to ensure every piece gets a delicious coating. Let the mixture simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop a rich, sticky glaze.

Step 4: Mix in the Rice

Add the cooked rice directly into the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine the rice with the saucy chicken, making sure everything is well incorporated and heated through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, zesty finish. Serve the one-pan meal piping hot, ready to delight taste buds with its bold, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Tips to Perfect One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

  • Use chicken thighs or drumsticks for extra juiciness and deeper flavor if preferred over chicken breasts.
  • Reduce or eliminate red pepper flakes for milder versions, perfect for kids or those sensitive to heat.
  • Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to ensure smooth, even distribution across chicken and rice for consistent taste in every bite.
  • Use day-old refrigerated rice for best results, as it prevents clumping and helps absorb sauce more effectively.
  • Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe completely gluten-free without sacrificing flavor profile.

Variations for One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

  • Spicy Southwest Chicken Rice: Replace BBQ sauce with salsa, add cumin and chili powder. Garnish with cilantro and jalapeños for a zesty Mexican-inspired meal.
  • Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Rice: Swap BBQ sauce for teriyaki sauce, add diced pineapple chunks. Top with sesame seeds and green onions for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Rice: Use lemon juice instead of vinegar, add oregano and rosemary. Finish with crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley for a Mediterranean touch.
  • Korean Gochujang Chicken Rice: Substitute BBQ sauce with gochujang paste, include ginger and sesame oil. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and green onions for a Korean-style dish.

Pairings for One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

  • Pair with Zesty Citrus Slaw: Create a tangy, crisp coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a bright lemon-lime dressing to cut through the rich BBQ chicken.
  • Complement with Chilled Craft Beer: Select a hoppy amber ale or a slightly fruity wheat beer that balances the sweet and smoky flavors of the dish, providing a refreshing contrast.
  • Match with Crisp White Wine: Choose a Riesling or Gewürztraminer with slight sweetness and acidity that harmonizes with the honey BBQ sauce's complex flavor profile.
  • Serve alongside Corn Bread Muffins: Bake light, buttery cornbread muffins to soak up the delicious sauce and add a classic Southern-style accompaniment to the meal.

How to Store One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and maintain flavor integrity.
  • Pack cooled chicken and rice in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid storing for longer to prevent texture degradation.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

  • How spicy is this chicken rice dish?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the amount to suit your taste preference.

  • Can I use different types of rice?

Absolutely! While the recipe works best with pre-cooked rice, you can use white, brown, or even cauliflower rice as a base.

  • Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, the sweet honey BBQ sauce makes it appealing to children, and you can easily control the spice level to make it more mild.

  • What protein alternatives can I use?

Swap chicken with turkey, pork, or tofu for a different protein option while keeping the same delicious sauce base.

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One-Pan Bold Honey Bbq Chicken Rice Recipe

One-Pan Bold Honey Bbq Chicken Rice Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice promises a flavor explosion that whisks home cooks through a culinary adventure. Juicy chicken nestled in savory rice, glazed with smoky-sweet honey BBQ sauce, delivers comfort and excitement you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Sauces and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 2 green onions, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Warm a large skillet to medium-high heat, drizzling olive oil across the surface for an even coating.
  2. Place chicken pieces into the hot skillet, seasoning generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to create a robust flavor profile.
  3. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes, rotating periodically to ensure golden-brown exterior and complete internal cooking.
  4. Rapidly whisk barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a separate mixing bowl, creating a vibrant, tangy glaze.
  5. Stream the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken, gently stirring to distribute the coating evenly across each piece.
  6. Allow the sauce to simmer and caramelize for 2-3 minutes, developing a rich, sticky texture that clings to the chicken.
  7. Fold cooked rice into the skillet, integrating it thoroughly with the sauced chicken to ensure complete flavor absorption.
  8. Heat the rice mixture for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and warm through completely.
  9. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions across the top for a bright, aromatic finishing touch.
  10. Serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot and flavor-packed.

Notes

  • Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains the bold, tangy flavor profile.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce and sugar-free BBQ sauce to reduce sodium and sugar content for health-conscious eaters.
  • Prep ingredients beforehand to ensure smooth, quick cooking and prevent burning or overcooking the chicken.
  • Let the sauce caramelize slightly longer for deeper, more intense flavor development and a richer glaze on the chicken.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 354 kcal
  • Sugar: 13 g
  • Sodium: 560 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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