Looking for a hearty, no-fuss meal packed with bold BBQ flavor? This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is your answer. It’s sweet, smoky, and savory with minimal cleanup—perfect for busy nights when you want comfort food without the hassle.
Why You’ll Love This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
This recipe checks all the boxes:
✅ One pan for less cleanup
✅ Family-friendly and customizable
✅ Balanced with protein, veggies, and rice
✅ Ready in under 40 minutes
The sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce coats juicy chicken bites and fluffy rice, all simmered to perfection in one skillet. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone ask for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this bold BBQ chicken rice, you’ll need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup bold honey BBQ sauce
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
How to Make One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and cook the chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season diced chicken with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until browned.
2. Add garlic and rice
Stir in the minced garlic and uncooked rice. Sauté for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in broth and vegetables
Add chicken broth, corn, and diced bell pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
4. Stir in honey BBQ sauce
Once the rice is cooked, stir in the bold honey BBQ sauce. Let simmer uncovered for 2–3 more minutes until everything is well coated.
5. Garnish and serve
Top with chopped parsley or green onions. Serve hot!
Recipe Variations & Add-Ins
- Add cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella at the end for a creamy finish.
- Make it spicy: Use spicy BBQ sauce or add hot sauce and chili flakes.
- Veggie boost: Stir in chopped spinach, black beans, or zucchini.
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Rice
This dish stands alone but also pairs well with:
- A side salad with ranch or lime vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or cornbread muffins
- Grilled vegetables or roasted broccoli
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- This recipe is freezer-friendly! Freeze in portions and reheat with a splash of water.
- Great for meal prep lunches—the flavor holds up and reheats beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is the definition of quick, easy, and bold comfort food. It’s perfect for weeknights, meal prepping, or when you’re simply craving something satisfying and full of flavor.
Print
One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice: Easy, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A bold and flavorful one-pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe, perfect for busy weeknights. Smoky, sweet, and comforting with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup corn kernels
1 small red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup bold honey BBQ sauce
Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned (5–6 minutes).
2. Add minced garlic and rice, stirring for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth, corn, and diced bell pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes.
4. Once rice is cooked, stir in honey BBQ sauce and simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
To make it spicy, add chili flakes or use spicy BBQ sauce.
Great for meal prep—lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.
Add shredded cheese before serving for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg