If you’re craving a meal that hits all the right notes with minimal fuss, this One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with perfectly cooked, flavorful rice all baked together in one dish, making dinnertime delightfully simple and delicious. The sweet honey and smoky BBQ sauce create an irresistible glaze that seeps into the rice, while warm spices deepen every bite. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of everyday ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and the perfect texture. From the rich honey and tangy BBQ sauce that coat the chicken, to the aromatic spices that bring everything to life, these simple components come together seamlessly in one pan.
- 5 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless: These provide juicy, tender meat that pairs beautifully with the sweet and smoky sauce.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: The perfect base, soaking up all the delicious flavors as it cooks.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sear the chicken, adding a lovely golden crust and depth.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Keeps the rice moist while enhancing savory notes.
- 1/2 cup honey: Adds a rich sweetness that balances the bold BBQ flavors.
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce: Brings that classic smoky, tangy punch that makes this dish shine.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle, savory aroma without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic with gentle oniony warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds smoky depth and a subtle earthiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Delivers just the right amount of spice to awaken your taste buds.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A burst of freshness and color to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is key to getting a beautiful sear on the chicken. Then, sprinkle both sides with the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt — these spices build a fragrant and flavorful crust that complements the sweet BBQ sauce perfectly.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering hot, carefully add the chicken thighs. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. This process locks in the juices and adds an irresistible depth of flavor.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pan
Once the chicken is seared, transfer it to a plate and set aside. Pour the chicken broth into the same skillet to deglaze, scraping up all those beautifully browned bits stuck to the bottom. This simple move is a secret to making the rice flavorful and rich.
Step 4: Add the Sauce and Rice
Stir the honey and BBQ sauce into the broth, mixing until everything is combined into a luscious glaze. Then, gently fold the uncooked rice into the skillet, making sure it’s evenly coated with the sauce. This ensures each grain absorbs the sweet and tangy flavors as it cooks.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Nestle the seared chicken thighs right back into the rice in the skillet. Cover the pan either with a lid or tightly with aluminum foil, then transfer it to your preheated oven. Let it bake for 30-35 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is wonderfully cooked through.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
After removing the skillet from the oven, allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This little pause lets the flavors meld together even more. Top it off with fresh chopped parsley if you like, adding a fresh burst of color and brightness that lifts the whole dish.
How to Serve One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice, bringing vibrant green flecks and a gentle herbaceous note that contrasts beautifully with the smoky-sweet sauce. You could also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to add a layer of texture and brightness. These small touches make every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
This meal stands strong on its own, but if you want some sides, consider simple options like a crisp, refreshing cucumber salad or steamed green beans with a hint of lemon. These lighter sides balance the rich and hearty flavors of the chicken and rice without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it straight from the skillet for a cozy, rustic vibe that feels like a warm hug at the dinner table. Alternatively, plating the chicken over a neat mound of rice with a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce on top offers an elegant touch perfect for guests. The colorful parsley garnish makes it almost too pretty to eat — almost!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your feast, let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish ahead of time or save some for busy nights, it freezes well. Portion the cooled chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers or bags. Frozen leftovers can be stored for up to 2 months without losing that signature flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover the dish to retain moisture for juicy chicken and fluffy rice.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine but they cook a little faster and can dry out more easily. Just be sure to watch the baking time and consider marinating them a bit to keep them juicy.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just double-check that your BBQ sauce is gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free varieties, and the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I substitute brown rice for white rice?
You can, but keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook. You might want to par-cook the brown rice before combining it with the chicken or adjust the baking time accordingly.
Do I need an oven-safe skillet for this recipe?
Yes, using an oven-safe skillet makes the process smoother since you sear on the stovetop and finish baking in the oven without transferring dishes. If you don’t have one, sear the chicken in a regular pan and then transfer everything to a baking dish.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is more on the mild side given the gentle spice level from paprika and black pepper. If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños while cooking.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe enough for busy nights when you still crave a warming, flavorful home-cooked meal. The combination of sweet honey, smoky BBQ sauce, and perfectly spiced chicken all cooked alongside tender rice in one pan is pure comfort food magic. Give it a try — your taste buds will thank you, and cleanup will be a breeze! This recipe truly makes cooking joyful and stress-free.
Print
One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with flavorful, honey-sweetened BBQ sauce and perfectly cooked rice in a single oven-safe skillet. It’s an easy, comforting dish that requires minimal cleanup and delivers a sweet and smoky taste that’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 5 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Rice and Sauce
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish.
- Prepare chicken: Place the chicken thighs on a clean surface and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning.
- Season chicken: Season both sides of the chicken thighs evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt for a balanced flavor.
- Heat oil: Warm the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for searing the chicken.
- Sear chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the hot skillet and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, which locks in juices and adds flavor.
- Set chicken aside: Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate temporarily.
- Deglaze skillet: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and stir to scrape up browned bits from the bottom, adding depth to the sauce.
- Add honey and BBQ sauce: Stir in the honey and BBQ sauce until fully combined, creating a sweet and tangy base.
- Add rice: Stir in the uncooked rice gently, ensuring all grains are evenly coated with the sauce mixture for uniform flavor.
- Return chicken to skillet: Nestle the chicken thighs back into the rice, allowing flavors to meld during baking.
- Cover skillet: Place a lid or aluminum foil over the skillet to trap steam and cook the rice properly.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and chicken is tender.
- Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish if desired for a fresh, bright finish.
- Serve: Plate the chicken thighs on a bed of the flavorful honey BBQ rice and enjoy your hearty one-pan meal.
Notes
- Make sure your skillet is oven-safe before starting this recipe to avoid issues when transferring to the oven.
- Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures even cooking and quick preparation.
- If you prefer, substitute BBQ sauce with your favorite variety (smoky, spicy, or mild).
- For a lower sugar option, reduce the honey or choose a sugar-free BBQ sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or onions into the skillet before baking for added nutrition and flavor.
