Looking for a mouthwatering dinner that’s quick, delicious, and requires minimal cleanup? Let’s talk about One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. It’s got everything you want in a comforting dish—juicy chicken, tender rice, sweet and smoky BBQ flavor, colorful veggies, and optional cheesy goodness. Plus, it all comes together in one skillet!
Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who appreciates a stress-free meal with maximum flavor, this dish is your weeknight hero. Let’s break down the steps, ingredients, and all the tips you need to perfect this easy dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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One pan = easy cleanup
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Bold BBQ flavor with a hint of sweetness
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Packed with protein and veggies
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Kid-friendly and budget-friendly
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Customizable with toppings and mix-ins
If you’re craving comfort food that won’t stress you out in the kitchen, this one’s for you.
Ingredients Overview
Main Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice:
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2 tablespoons olive oil – For searing the chicken.
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1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes – The main source of protein.
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Salt and pepper to taste – Essential seasoning.
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds a smoky depth.
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1 teaspoon garlic powder – Boosts savory flavor.
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1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed – Becomes fluffy and absorbs all the BBQ goodness.
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2 1/4 cups chicken broth – Adds flavor while cooking the rice.
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1/2 cup bottled honey BBQ sauce – The star of the show.
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1 tablespoon honey – Enhances sweetness and adds a glossy finish.
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1 small red bell pepper, diced – For color and crunch.
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1 small green bell pepper, diced – Adds freshness and bite.
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1/2 small red onion, finely chopped – Adds zing and slight sweetness.
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1/2 cup frozen corn – Sweetness and texture.
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional) – For melty, cheesy goodness.
Optional Toppings
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2 green onions, sliced – Adds freshness.
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Fresh parsley, chopped – Brings brightness and color.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Large nonstick or cast iron skillet with lid
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Wooden spoon or spatula
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Knife and cutting board
Prepping Tips Before You Start
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Dice everything beforehand so you’re not scrambling mid-recipe.
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Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove extra starch and avoid mushiness.
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Pat the chicken dry to ensure it browns nicely.
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Use pre-chopped veggies if you’re short on time.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Cook the chicken for about 5–6 minutes, or until it’s no longer pink and nicely browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Add the Veggies and Rice
In the same skillet, toss in the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, and frozen corn. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened and fragrant.
Add in the rinsed rice and stir well to combine everything, allowing the rice to toast slightly for extra flavor.
Step 3: Pour the Liquid and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth, honey BBQ sauce, and honey. Stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Step 4: Final Touches
Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat. If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top and let it melt for a few minutes with the lid on.
Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy immediately!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Results
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Don’t skip rinsing the rice! It prevents clumping and uneven cooking.
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Cover the skillet tightly while simmering to trap steam and cook rice evenly.
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Use a skillet with a heavy lid for better heat distribution.
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Taste before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Variations and Substitutions
Spice it Up
Love heat? Add:
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A pinch of red pepper flakes
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A chopped jalapeño
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Hot sauce in the BBQ mixture
Make it Vegetarian
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Swap chicken for plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu
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Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth
Add More Protein
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Toss in cooked black beans
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Stir in crispy bacon bits
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Top with a fried egg for a breakfast twist
Storage and Reheating
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat:
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Microwave or warm in a skillet with a splash of broth to revive texture.
What to Serve With Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
This dish is pretty much a complete meal, but if you want to round it out:
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Side Salad with tangy vinaigrette
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Garlic Bread or warm rolls
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Steamed Broccoli or green beans
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Sweet Iced Tea or lemonade
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using the wrong rice: Stick with long-grain white rice for the best texture.
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Lifting the lid too often: It releases steam and can leave the rice undercooked.
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Overcooking the chicken: Just sear it first; it’ll finish cooking with the rice.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
Let’s look at some of the nutritional pros:
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Chicken breast – Lean protein that keeps you full and energized.
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Bell peppers and onions – Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C.
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Corn – Adds fiber and natural sweetness.
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Olive oil – Healthy fats that support heart health.
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Parsley and green onions – Detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties.
Final Thoughts
One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is everything a busy home cook dreams of: fast, flavorful, and fuss-free. It’s colorful, hearty, and loaded with BBQ goodness that satisfies the whole family. Whether you serve it for dinner, meal prep it for the week, or whip it up on a lazy Sunday, this dish hits the spot every time.
Give it a try, and don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra love (and cheese!) on top.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice takes longer and absorbs more broth—about 2 3/4 cups of broth and 35–40 minutes cook time.
2. What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
Use your favorite brand! Smoky, spicy, or sweet – it’s totally up to your taste buds. Honey BBQ is preferred for its balance of flavor.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. This recipe is meal-prep friendly. Just store it in individual containers and reheat throughout the week.
4. How can I make it extra creamy?
Stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of cream cheese just before serving to make it extra rich.
5. Can I add more veggies?
Yes! Zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach make great additions. Just adjust the liquid slightly if needed.
Print
One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a sweet, smoky, and savory dinner made in one skillet for easy cleanup and big flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed)
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 small red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 small green bell pepper (diced)
- 1/2 small red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet; season and sauté chicken.
- Add spices, then stir in rice, broth, BBQ sauce, and honey.
- Mix in peppers, onion, and corn.
- Simmer covered until rice is tender.
- Sprinkle cheese if using, garnish with green onions and parsley.
Notes
Use low-sodium broth if preferred. Swap bell peppers for your favorite veggies. Add a pinch of chili flakes for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet, One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: honey BBQ chicken, one-pan chicken rice, skillet chicken recipe, BBQ rice dinner, easy weeknight meal
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