One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe

If you crave a comforting, family-friendly dinner with maximum flavor and minimal mess, you’ll fall in love with One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice. This dish is a weekday hero: juicy chicken, tender rice, and sweet, smoky barbecue sauce all bubble together in a single pan, soaking up every ounce of savory goodness. With only a handful of everyday ingredients and no-fuss cleanup, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again—because nothing beats a meal that makes both cooking and eating a breeze!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a laundry list of groceries to make One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice sing—just a few kitchen staples carefully chosen to create layers of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays its part in delivering that irresistible combination of saucy, sticky, and savory that makes this dish unforgettable.

• Chicken thighs or breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless pieces for juicy, tender bites in every mouthful.
• Long-grain white rice: Choose long-grain for perfectly fluffy, distinct rice grains that won’t get mushy during cooking.
• BBQ sauce: Go for a smoky, tangy sauce; homemade or store-bought works—just pick your personal favorite for this key flavor foundation.
• Honey: Adds that irresistible sweetness which perfectly balances the smoky barbecue notes.
• Chicken broth: This deeply flavors the rice as it cooks and ensures everything stays moist and tender.
• Garlic: A little goes a long way—freshly minced brings warmth and aroma to the whole skillet.
• Paprika: Choose smoked paprika for an extra layer of depth and color.
• Onion: Diced onion melts into the dish, creating a sweet, savory backbone.
• Olive oil: For searing the chicken and vegetables, giving a richness to every bite.
• Kosher salt & pepper: To round out and brighten all the big flavors in the skillet.
• Fresh parsley or scallions: For a bright, herby finish and a pop of color.

How to Make One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken dry and seasoning both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat a splash of olive oil in your largest skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken and sear for about 3 minutes per side until golden—don’t worry about cooking it through, you’re just aiming for that irresistible color and aroma. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

With those delicious chicken juices left behind, it’s time to add the diced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent and just starting to caramelize, then toss in the minced garlic. Stir for another 30 seconds until fragrant—this base will infuse the entire dish with mouthwatering flavor.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Pour your uncooked rice right into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir well to coat every grain in oil and let it toast for a minute or two. Toasting rice gives it a nutty undertone and ensures your One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice has the best possible texture.

Step 4: Mix in Liquids and Sauce

Whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, and chicken broth in a bowl, then pour the mixture into your skillet with the rice. Stir until everything is combined, making sure to scrape any golden bits from the bottom—that’s pure flavor waiting to be absorbed!

Step 5: Nestle and Simmer

Gently nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, right on top of the rice. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and cook for about 20–25 minutes. Check that the rice is tender and the chicken cooked through; if needed, add a splash more broth and cook a few minutes longer.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Once everything’s perfect, remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming and makes serving even easier. Just before digging in, sprinkle over a generous handful of chopped parsley or scallions—the bright green really makes the One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice pop!

How to Serve One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

Garnishes

Fresh herbs are always a welcome finishing touch—think parsley, scallions, or even a little cilantro, if you’re feeling adventurous. For an extra pop, scatter on thinly sliced red onion, a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce, or a few sweet pickles. These garnish choices don’t just make things prettier; they balance the rich flavors in every forkful.

Side Dishes

Since One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is so hearty, serve it alongside light, fresh sides. Try a tangy vinegar-based slaw, a simple green salad, or crisp steamed broccoli for a crunchy contrast. Warm cornbread or buttered rolls also work beautifully if you want to round out the meal Southern-style!

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinners, serve the skillet straight to the table for everyone to help themselves—family-style is always fun. For gatherings, try portioning the chicken and rice into individual bowls and top each with a unique garnish, like crispy onion rings or fried jalapeños. Or, stuff the finished rice and chicken into hollowed-out bell peppers or serve over mini slider buns for a party twist on this classic One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so your next-day lunch or dinner will be just as delicious. Make sure to let everything cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. Cool all components before spooning into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Label and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave with a splash of extra chicken broth or water to keep things moist. For larger amounts, gently warm on the stovetop in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. The sauce may thicken, so don’t hesitate to add an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce before serving.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can absolutely substitute brown rice for white! Just keep in mind that brown rice needs more liquid and a longer cook time, so add an extra half-cup of broth and simmer until the grains are fully tender.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use for this recipe?

The flavor of your One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice hinges on the sauce, so use your favorite! Smoky, spicy, or sweet BBQ sauces all work wonderfully—try a few until you discover your family’s top pick.

Can I make this with bone-in chicken?

Bone-in thighs or drumsticks are fine, but you’ll need to increase the simmering time. Just be sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F, and expect a little more richness from the chicken fat.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for cubes of firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll still get a flavorful, protein-packed skillet!

What if I don’t have a lid for my skillet?

If your skillet doesn’t have a lid, just cover it tightly with a double layer of aluminum foil. This will trap the steam, helping the rice cook evenly and the chicken stay tender.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a dish that brings big flavor and comfort with so little fuss, and that’s exactly why One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice deserves a spot in your meal rotation. Give it a try the next time you need a warming, crowd-pleasing dinner—the one-pan clean-up is just the cherry on top!

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