Dinner

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

ByCharlotte Montgomery February 22, 2026February 22, 2026

Introduction

This one-pan bold honey BBQ chicken rice is a delicious and easy meal that combines tender chicken with flavorful rice, all cooked together in a single skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a sweet and smoky taste that the whole family will love.

A close-up shot of a dish in a white bowl shows two main layers: the bottom layer is fried rice mixed with small pieces of orange carrot and green vegetable bits, giving it a speckled look with soft, fluffy texture; the top layer consists of bite-sized pieces of cooked chicken with a golden-brown glaze, shiny and sticky, drizzled evenly over the rice, adding a rich, dark brown color contrasting with the lighter rice underneath. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup BBQ sauce
¼ cup honey
1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken thighs or breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until browned.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey. Pour this mixture over the seared chicken in the skillet.
Step 3: Add the rice and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 5: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, spread the mixed vegetables on top of the rice and cover again to steam them.
Step 6: Once done, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving alongside the chicken.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce and honey for 30 minutes before cooking.
Use brown rice instead of long-grain white rice, but increase cooking time and liquid as needed.
Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro just before serving for a fresh finish.
Substitute mixed vegetables with your favorite seasonal veggies to customize the dish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the rice moist.