Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

A sweet, smoky, and savory chicken and rice dish cooked all in one skillet—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!

 Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Meal Type: Dinner, Main Dish
Style: American Fusion

Ingredients

 Instructions – Step by Step

1 Season & brown the chicken

• In a bowl, toss chicken chunks with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

• In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

• Add chicken and sauté 4–5 minutes until lightly browned (not fully cooked). Remove and set aside.

2 Toast the rice

• In the same pan (add a bit of oil if needed), add uncooked rice.

• Sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently. This adds a nutty flavor and helps keep the rice fluffy.

3 Add liquid & chicken back

• Pour in chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey.

• Stir well to combine. Return chicken to the pan and mix into the rice.

4 Simmer covered

• Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

• Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

 Stir once or twice during cooking to prevent sticking.

5 Rest & garnish

• Turn off the heat and let the dish sit, covered, for 5 minutes.

• Fluff the rice gently with a fork.

• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

What to Serve With It

• Steamed broccoli or green beans

• Coleslaw for a refreshing crunch

• Cornbread muffins or dinner rolls

• A simple garden salad with vinaigrette

 Recipe Variations

 Protein swaps

• Use shredded rotisserie chicken (reduce broth to 2 cups and add cooked chicken in the last 10 minutes).

• Swap chicken for turkey or pork chunks.

 Want it spicy?

• Add 1 tsp chili powder or hot sauce to the BBQ mixture.

 Cheesy version

• Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese just before serving for a creamy, melty twist.

 Add veggies

• Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas, diced bell peppers, or corn with the broth for an all-in-one meal.

 Tips for Success

• Don’t lift the lid too often! The steam is crucial for the rice to cook evenly.

• If the liquid is absorbed but the rice is still firm, add ¼ cup of warm broth or water and continue to steam for 5 more minutes.

• Use parboiled or converted rice for a faster and more foolproof cook.

 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx.)

Values based on 4 servings and general estimates.

 Why You’ll Love This Dish

 Only one pan to clean
 Sweet, smoky, and slightly tangy flavor
 Quick enough for weeknights
 Customizable with pantry staples
Great for leftovers or meal prep

 Quick Summary