Easy One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

This One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero, delivering a complete, satisfying meal that’s bursting with sweet, smoky, and savory flavor. This recipe features tender, juicy chicken pieces and fluffy rice, all cooked together in a single skillet with a delicious honey BBQ sauce, onions, and bell peppers. It’s a hearty, all-in-one dish that the whole family will love, and cleanup is an absolute breeze.

Perfect for a busy evening, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a delicious meal in about 30 minutes. The rice absorbs all the wonderful flavors from the sauce and chicken as it cooks, making every bite incredibly delicious.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup.
• Quick & Easy: A complete meal that’s ready from start to finish in about 30 minutes.
• Packed with Flavor: The perfect balance of sweet honey and smoky BBQ, a guaranteed hit with kids and adults.
• Hearty & Satisfying: A wholesome meal with protein, carbs, and veggies all in one dish.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 Yellow Onion, chopped
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Long-Grain White Rice, rinsed
• 2 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
• 1 cup BBQ Sauce (your favorite kind)
• 1/4 cup Honey
• 1 cup Canned Black Beans or Corn, rinsed and drained (optional)
• Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
• For Garnish: Fresh cilantro or sliced green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the rinsed rice, chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
5. Finish the Dish: Stir the cooked chicken and the optional black beans or corn into the rice. Cover and let it warm through for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions.

Tips & Variations

• Pro Tip: Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch and prevents it from becoming gummy, ensuring a fluffy texture.
• Make it Spicy: Use a spicy BBQ sauce or add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a bit of heat.
• Cheesy Version: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the top during the last 2 minutes of cooking and cover the pan to let it melt.
• Different Protein: This recipe also works well with sliced smoked sausage, which you can brown at the beginning instead of the chicken.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use brown rice?
  • Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes 40-45 minutes to cook, so you will need to add the chicken back in during the last 10 minutes of cooking. You may also need an extra splash of broth.
• How do I store and reheat leftovers?
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the rice.
• Can I use a different kind of BBQ sauce?
  • Absolutely! A sweet, smoky, or spicy sauce will all work wonderfully. Use your family’s favorite.

Serving Suggestions

• This one-pot meal is fantastic on its own. It’s also delicious served with a side of cornbread, a simple green salad, or a dollop of sour cream on top.

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Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

This Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is a sweet, smoky, and satisfying one-skillet meal that’s ready in 40 minutes. Juicy chicken, tender rice, and colorful vegetables come together in a sticky honey BBQ glaze — all made in one pan for easy cleanup!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 425

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups chicken broth, preferably low-sodium
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (mesquite flavor recommended)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, bell peppers)
• 2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil, divided
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
• 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• extra drizzle of BBQ sauce

Equipment

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Fine-Mesh Strainer
• Mixing bowl
• wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Mix seasonings together. Rinse and drain rice until water runs clear. Measure out remaining ingredients.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken with half the spice mixture. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. Add remaining oil to the pan. Add rice and the rest of the seasoning. Stir and toast for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and slightly translucent.
4. Carefully add chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
5. Return chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture. Cover tightly and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
6. Quickly add mixed vegetables on top, re-cover, and cook another 5 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C).
7. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice gently, garnish with green onions or parsley, and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

Make it spicy: Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Brown rice option: Use 2 1/2 cups broth and increase the simmering time to 30–35 minutes before adding the vegetables.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.