One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe
Introduction
This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken thighs cook alongside fragrant rice and vegetables in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add rice and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to enhance flavor.
- Step 3: Pour in chicken broth, honey BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low. Return chicken to skillet and add frozen mixed vegetables on top. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 5: Remove skillet from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork and garnish with chopped green onions if desired before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out.
- Swap frozen mixed vegetables for fresh ones if available for a fresher texture.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when adding the seasonings.
- If you like a smokier flavor, try adding a bit more smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the rice seems dry.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook. You may need to increase the simmering time and add more liquid to ensure the rice is tender.
Is it necessary to toast the rice before cooking?
Toasting the rice is optional but recommended. It enhances the flavor and gives the dish a slightly nutty taste.
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One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner that combines tender chicken thighs with savory, sweet honey BBQ sauce, fluffy white rice, and mixed vegetables, all cooked together in a single skillet for a convenient and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Rice & Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
Vegetables & Garnish
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs evenly with salt and black pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is nicely browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Toast the Rice: In the same skillet, add the rice. Toast it for 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently to enhance its flavor, being careful not to burn the rice.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, honey BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine all ingredients, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer with Chicken and Vegetables: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them on top of the rice. Add the frozen mixed vegetables evenly over the chicken and rice. Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the liquid and is fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and keep it covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the salt amount depending on the sodium level in the chicken broth and BBQ sauce.
- Feel free to substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred, but cooking times may vary slightly.
- For a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when adding the spices.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, One-Pan Meal, Chicken and Rice Skillet, Easy Chicken Dinner, Quick Weeknight Dinner

