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One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

A simple, saucy, crowd-pleasing meal featuring sticky-sweet honey and tangy BBQ flavors, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces Chicken thighs or breasts Skin-on, bone-in thighs add flavor; boneless breasts cook faster.
  • 1 cup Long-grain white rice For brown rice, increase liquid and cooking time.
  • 1 cup Chicken broth Low-sodium recommended.
  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil Or another neutral oil.
  • 1 medium Onion, chopped Yellow or sweet onions work well.
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup Honey Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce Your favorite bottle; smoky or spicy varieties change the profile.
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional Sliced green onions or chopped parsley for garnish

Method
 

Cooking
  1. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Let the oil shimmer.
  2. Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper. Add to the pan and brown well on both sides — about 4–6 minutes per side for skinless pieces.
  3. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add the rice to the pan and stir for 1–2 minutes so each grain picks up flavor from the pan.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the honey and BBQ sauce until evenly combined.
  7. Return the chicken to the pan, nestling the pieces into the rice. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low.
  8. Simmer until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through — about 18–20 minutes for long-grain white rice.
  9. Once done, remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes with the lid on.
  10. Garnish with green onions or parsley and serve.

Notes

For lower sugar, use less honey and a low-sugar BBQ sauce. Confirm BBQ sauce is labeled gluten-free for gluten-free version. For low-carb, serve the saucy chicken over cauliflower rice rather than using rice.