Name: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup long grain white rice; 1 ½ cups chicken broth; ½ cup honey BBQ sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

Get ready to fall in love with a dinner that practically cooks itself. One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is the ultimate comfort food hero: a little sweet, a little smoky, and so satisfyingly savory. This recipe brings tender chicken, seasoned rice, and tangy BBQ flavor together in one skillet, making cleanup as easy as the cooking process. Whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight or impressing guests with minimal effort, this dish delivers big on flavor.

What makes this meal a standout is how the honey BBQ sauce seeps into every grain of rice, infusing the whole dish with irresistible goodness. The chicken turns out incredibly juicy while the rice bakes up perfectly fluffy, all from the same pan. It’s one of those meals you’ll want to keep in your rotation, especially when time is tight but cravings are big.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

This recipe is all about balance: sweet meets savory, tender meets crispy. It’s hearty, wholesome, and the one-pan method means fewer dishes and more time for you. The flavors come together beautifully with no complicated steps involved. Plus, it works great with chicken thighs, breasts, or even drumsticks.

Can I Use a Different Cut of Chicken?

Yes, absolutely! While boneless, skinless thighs give the most flavor and stay juicy, you can also use breasts for a leaner option or drumsticks if you’re craving something more rustic. Just be mindful of the cooking time depending on the cut. Breasts cook a bit faster, while bone-in cuts may take longer. Use a meat thermometer if needed to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F.

Ingredients for the One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

The ingredients in this recipe are simple, familiar, and pantry-friendly. Each one plays a role in making this dish comforting and full of flavor.

Chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, thighs stay moist through baking.
White rice: Long grain white rice soaks up all the flavor while staying fluffy.
Honey BBQ sauce: Adds sweetness and tang with smoky undertones.
Chicken broth: Keeps the rice tender and boosts savory flavor.
Garlic powder: A touch of depth and warmth to season the dish.
Onion powder: Enhances the overall savory notes.
Salt & pepper: Simple seasoning to round out the dish.
Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken and carry flavor.
Parsley (optional): For a pop of color and freshness.

How To Make the One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Season your chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sear them skin-side down for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden. Flip and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice Base

In the same skillet, pour in your uncooked rice and lightly toast it for a minute in the leftover oil. Add in chicken broth and half the honey BBQ sauce, stirring to deglaze any flavorful bits from the pan.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Nestle the seared chicken back into the pan over the rice. Brush the remaining honey BBQ sauce over the chicken. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 35 minutes.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Remove foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes to lightly crisp the chicken and allow the sauce to thicken. Garnish with parsley if using. Serve hot and enjoy that sweet, smoky aroma!

Serving and Storing One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

This recipe feeds four hungry mouths generously, or up to six if you’re serving it alongside sides or salads. Serve it straight from the pan for a cozy family-style dinner or portion it out for weekly meal prep.

Leftovers store beautifully. Just transfer any extra to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice tender.

What to Serve With One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice?

A Cool Creamy Coleslaw

The crisp, tangy crunch of a creamy coleslaw cuts through the richness of the BBQ flavor perfectly.

Garlic Green Beans

Quickly sautéed green beans with garlic make a vibrant, healthy side.

Cornbread Muffins

Soft, slightly sweet cornbread muffins are an ideal companion to BBQ flavors.

Roasted Veggies

Toss your favorite vegetables in olive oil and roast them until golden and crisp on the edges.

Pickled Cucumbers

A jar of quick pickles or sweet-and-sour cucumbers can balance out the dish beautifully.

Mac and Cheese

Indulge a bit with ultra-creamy macaroni for a Southern comfort meal.

Avocado Slices

Creamy avocado adds a cooling and fresh element to the plate.

Want More Chicken & Rice Ideas?

If this one-pan meal was a hit, you’ll definitely want to try these other savory comfort recipes:

Best Chicken and Rice Casserole for a classic baked twist.
Creamy Garlic Marry Me Salmon if you’re craving creamy richness with seafood.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for another easy skillet dinner.
Creamy Beef and Shells for a comforting, kid-friendly dish.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for an indulgent pasta fix.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime.

Let me know in the comments how your chicken turned out. Did you go spicy with the BBQ sauce or keep it sweet and classic? Did you swap in drumsticks or maybe try brown rice?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore more wholesome weeknight meals on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next go-to family dinner idea.