One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

Let’s talk about the magic that happens when savory, sweet, and smoky come together in one dish—this One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is a perfect example. It’s the kind of dinner that you can whip up without much fuss, but every bite tastes like it took hours of careful prep. Picture juicy chicken, tender rice, and a smoky, sweet BBQ sauce that coats every little grain. And the best part? You get all this goodness cooked in one skillet—fewer dishes, more flavor, and zero stress!

Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’re going to be hooked. The honey BBQ sauce adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the savory chicken and rice. It’s easy, comforting, and super satisfying. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

This dish isn’t just easy to make—it’s a game-changer for busy nights. Here’s why:

Minimal Cleanup: One skillet, that’s it. You can have a delicious, satisfying meal and be done with the mess in no time. Less stress, more flavor!

Sweet & Smoky Goodness: The honey BBQ sauce is the star here, with a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory. Every bite feels like a hug from the inside.

Perfectly Balanced: Chicken and rice together make a hearty and comforting meal that everyone will enjoy. The rice soaks up all those delicious BBQ flavors, making each bite a flavor explosion.

Quick and Easy: This recipe is a breeze to put together. With just a few simple steps, you’ve got a dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite BBQ joint. Even beginners can handle this one!

Family-Friendly: From the kids to the adults, everyone will love this dish. The sweetness of the honey BBQ sauce is a big hit with kids, and the savory flavors make it satisfying for adults too.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ingredients in One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

These ingredients come together to create a dinner that’s both comforting and delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken Breasts or Thighs

The chicken is the heart of this dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect because they cook up tender and juicy, soaking in all those BBQ flavors.

Rice

Long-grain white rice or basmati rice works best for this dish. It absorbs all the flavors from the BBQ sauce and gets nice and tender as it cooks.

BBQ Sauce

This is the secret to the dish’s smoky, sweet flavor. You’ll want a good-quality BBQ sauce, preferably with a little kick to balance the sweetness from the honey.

Honey

The sweet magic behind this dish. Honey adds the perfect amount of sweetness to contrast the savory chicken and smoky BBQ sauce.

Onion & Garlic

These aromatics add depth of flavor and make the base of the dish absolutely irresistible.

Chicken Broth

The chicken broth infuses the rice with flavor and helps everything cook evenly in the skillet.

Olive Oil

For searing the chicken and adding a bit of richness to the dish.

Salt & Pepper

The essential seasonings to bring everything together and enhance the flavors.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive into this easy, one-pan dinner? Let’s get cooking:

Season the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt and pepper. You want to make sure the chicken is nicely seasoned on both sides for maximum flavor.

Sear the Chicken

Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides. You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through just yet—this step is all about getting that crispy, flavorful exterior.

Sauté Onion and Garlic

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, toss in your diced onion and garlic. Sauté them for a few minutes until they’re fragrant and softened. This will create the flavor base for your rice.

Add the Rice & Liquids

Now, stir in the rice, making sure it gets a little toasted in the skillet, then pour in your chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.

Return the Chicken to the Skillet

Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, nestling it into the rice. Cover the skillet with a lid, lower the heat, and let it cook until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. The rice will absorb all the yummy BBQ sauce, and the chicken will stay juicy and tender.

Serve & Enjoy

Once the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender, remove from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken and rice together in a big bowl, spooning the saucy rice over the chicken. Every bite is packed with that sweet, smoky flavor you’ll love.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

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Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

This dish is delicious all on its own, but you can elevate the meal with a few sides:

Crisp Salad: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the sweet and smoky chicken and rice. Try a simple arugula or spinach salad with lemon and olive oil.

Steamed Veggies: Roasted or steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, are a great way to add some color and nutrition to the plate.

Corn on the Cob: The sweetness of corn on the cob pairs wonderfully with the BBQ flavors in this dish. Toss it with a little butter and a pinch of salt for a simple, tasty side.

Additional Tips

Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you have a little extra time, consider using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for even more flavor. Just make sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly!

Add Spice: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to your BBQ sauce. It’s a great way to balance out the sweetness of the honey.

Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prepping! You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better the next day!

One-Pan Wonder: If you’re not keen on cooking rice separately, you can cook it directly in the skillet like in this recipe. Just make sure to use long-grain rice and adjust the liquid accordingly.

Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra chicken broth if needed to loosen up the rice.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A1: Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that brown rice will take a little longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the cooking time. You’ll also need a bit more liquid for the rice to cook properly.

Q2: Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A2: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option here. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as they may take a bit longer to cook through, depending on their size.

Q3: Can I freeze leftovers?
A3: Yes, you can freeze this dish. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy!

Q4: What BBQ sauce should I use?
A4: Use your favorite BBQ sauce! Whether you prefer sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy, pick a BBQ sauce that suits your taste. I recommend something with a good balance of sweet and smoky flavors to complement the honey.

Q5: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A5: You can prep everything ahead of time, but I recommend cooking it just before serving to ensure the rice stays perfectly tender and the chicken stays juicy.

Conclusion

And there you have it—One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice! It’s sweet, savory, smoky, and oh-so-satisfying. You get all the comforting flavors you crave without the hassle of multiple pans or tons of cleanup. This recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner or a weekend treat when you want something flavorful without spending all day in the kitchen. Enjoy every bite—this one’s a keeper!

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