Short Description

One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is a sweet and savory dinner solution that’s easy to prepare and even easier to clean up. Juicy chicken, fluffy rice, colorful vegetables, and a sticky honey BBQ glaze all cook together in a single skillet, delivering a complete and satisfying meal in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet—less mess, less stress.
Balanced Meal: Includes protein, carbs, and vegetables in one dish.
Bold Flavor: Smoky barbecue sauce meets sweet honey for a crave-worthy glaze.
Customizable: Use your preferred cut of chicken or favorite veggies.
Weeknight-Friendly: Quick to prepare and perfect for busy evenings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup frozen or fresh mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, corn, carrots)
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and cook until lightly browned on all sides (about 4–5 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics and Rice:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the rinsed rice and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Combine and Simmer:
Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the mixed vegetables, chicken broth, barbecue sauce, and honey. Stir to combine.
Cook the Rice:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–22 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Finish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired, and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ mixture.
Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the finished dish and cover to melt before serving.
Grain Swap: Substitute with brown rice or quinoa (adjust liquid and cooking time accordingly).
Meat Alternatives: Use ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat substitutes.
Fresh Veggies: Swap in bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli for a seasonal twist.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the rice.

FAQs

Can I use leftover cooked chicken?

Yes, add cooked chicken after the rice is fully cooked and warm through just before serving.

What kind of barbecue sauce is best?

Use your favorite brand—smoky, sweet, or spicy BBQ sauces all work well.

Does this work with brown rice?

Yes, but increase the broth to 2½ cups and cook time to 35–40 minutes.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Absolutely—this recipe is naturally dairy-free.

How can I keep the rice from sticking?

Use a nonstick skillet and stir once or twice during cooking. Ensure there’s enough liquid throughout.

What vegetables go best with this?

Frozen peas, corn, diced carrots, or a bell pepper mix are all great options.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use a large skillet or Dutch oven and increase cook time slightly to ensure even cooking.

Should I cover the skillet while cooking?

Yes, covering the skillet helps the rice cook evenly and prevents moisture loss.

Can I add cheese on top?

Yes, add shredded cheese in the last few minutes of cooking and cover to melt.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze in single-serving containers for easy meal prep.

Conclusion

One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is a delicious and dependable go-to for quick dinners that don’t compromise on flavor. With sweet and smoky notes, tender chicken, and fluffy rice, it’s a well-rounded, comforting dish that keeps cleanup to a minimum and satisfaction to the max.

One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

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Author: Olivia
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4-servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is your go-to weeknight dinner—sweet, smoky, and packed with flavor. Made in one pan for easy cleanup, it’s a hearty mix of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful veggies all glazed in a sticky honey BBQ sauce. Keyword: One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add cubed chicken and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and almost cooked through.
Stir in rinsed rice and cook for 1 minute to toast slightly.
Add chicken broth and mixed vegetables. Bring to a simmer.
Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 18–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Uncover, stir in honey BBQ sauce (and honey, if using), and mix until chicken and rice are coated.
Cook uncovered for an additional 2–3 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve hot.

Notes

Use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie for an even quicker meal.
Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra kick.
Brown rice or quinoa can be substituted, adjusting liquid and cook time accordingly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American