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One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe – A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

When you crave a meal that’s both effortless and packed with bold flavors, this One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice delivers on all fronts. Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs glazed in a sticky-sweet honey BBQ sauce, nestled atop perfectly cooked rice that’s absorbed all the smoky, tangy goodness. This recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this dish brings the comfort of barbecue to your table without the fuss of grilling.

What sets this recipe apart is its perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. The homemade honey BBQ sauce (or store-bought for convenience) caramelizes beautifully on the chicken while infusing the rice with its rich taste. Using just one pan means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your meal. The chicken stays moist and flavorful, while the rice cooks to fluffy perfection, absorbing all the delicious juices. It’s a complete meal in one pan that’s as satisfying as it is simple. If you love easy, flavorful dinners that require minimal effort, this One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice will become a staple in your rotation.

What Makes One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Special?

This dish stands out because it combines convenience with bold, restaurant-quality flavors. The honey BBQ sauce—a mix of sweet honey, tangy barbecue sauce, and a hint of smokiness—creates a glossy, finger-licking glaze on the chicken. Cooking everything in one pan ensures the rice soaks up all the delicious flavors, making every bite irresistible. Plus, it’s customizable—add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat or toss in some veggies like bell peppers or corn for extra texture.

One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe – A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite
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One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe – A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

Recipe by Jamie Erin
Servings

5

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Calories

450

kcal

Ingredients for One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice

  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth

  • ½ cup barbecue sauce

  • 3 tbsp honey

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt to taste

  • Optional garnish:
    Fresh parsley or cilantro
    Sliced green onions
    Extra drizzle of BBQ sauce

Directions for One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe

  • Preparing the Honey BBQ Sauce
    In a small bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Set aside.
  • Searing the Chicken
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, then sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  •  Cooking the Rice
    In the same pan, add the rice and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in the chicken broth and half of the honey BBQ sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer.
  • Adding the Chicken Back
    Nestle the seared chicken thighs into the rice mixture. Drizzle the remaining honey BBQ sauce over the chicken.
  • Simmering to Perfection
    Cover the pan and reduce heat to low. Let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
  • Finishing Touches
    Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs or green onions before serving.

What to Serve with One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice?

  • Garlic Butter Green Beans
  • Grilled Corn on the Cob
  • Simple Coleslaw
  • Crusty Bread (to soak up the sauce)

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 18g

Final Thoughts

This One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is the epitome of easy, flavorful, and satisfying cooking. With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a meal that feels special without the effort. The sticky-sweet BBQ glaze, tender chicken, and fluffy rice make it a dish you’ll crave again and again. Give it a try, and it might just become your new go-to one-pan wonder!

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