If you’re craving comfort food that’s quick to make and requires minimal cleanup, you need to try One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice. Each spoonful is packed with juicy bites of chicken, sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, fluffy rice, and gooey cheddar cheese, all simmered together to perfection in just one pan. This dish is a personal weeknight go-to—a family favorite that manages to feel both laid-back and special, thanks to its irresistible flavors and vibrant finish. One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is the answer to busy days and hungry bellies, bringing everyone to the table with smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things blissfully simple—no fancy extras, just the basics done right. Each ingredient plays a starring role, bringing richness, smokiness, or a pop of color that keeps you coming back for just one more forkful.
- Olive oil: Helps the chicken brown beautifully and adds a touch of richness to the skillet.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender protein that cooks quickly and soaks up the sweet and smoky sauce.
- Garlic powder: Gives the dish a warm, savory base note that infuses every bite.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness that pairs perfectly with the BBQ sauce.
- Salt: Grounds all the flavors together and enhances every ingredient.
- Black pepper: Offers a subtle kick without overpowering the fresh flavors.
- Long-grain white rice: The fluffy foundation that soaks up all the delicious juices.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps everything moist while adding extra depth and a savory background.
- Honey BBQ sauce: The secret to the dish’s sweet, tangy, and bold personality.
- Honey: Boosts the sweetness and gives the sauce a glossy, sticky texture you’ll love.
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings a zippy umami spark that makes the BBQ flavors pop.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into bubbly, irresistible goodness on top.
- Green onions: A crisp, fresh finishing touch that adds color and crunch.
How to Make One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in your favorite large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, toss in the chicken pieces and sprinkle them with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let everything cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want to see a nice golden color, but don’t worry about cooking them through just yet—the magic’s still to come.
Step 2: Toast the Rice
Push the chicken to the side of the skillet, add the uncooked rice, and give it a quick toast for about a minute. This step unlocks an extra layer of flavor and helps the rice hold its shape as it cooks, soaking up all the delicious juices from the chicken and seasonings.
Step 3: Simmer with Broth
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom (that’s where the flavor hides!). Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook undisturbed for about 15 minutes. When the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, it’s ready for the next step.
Step 4: Mix Up the BBQ Sauce
While the rice cooks, whisk together the honey BBQ sauce, honey, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. This trio gives One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice its signature glossy, tangy-sweet finish that ties the whole dish together.
Step 5: Sauce and Cheese Finale
Pour the BBQ mixture over the chicken and rice, and give everything a gentle stir to coat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet once more and let it sit on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden topping. Finish with those crisp green onions, and get ready to serve!
How to Serve One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice
Garnishes
A handful of sliced green onions is classic, but you can also add fresh cilantro, a dash of extra smoked paprika, or even thinly sliced jalapeños for a little pop of color and fresh bite. Try a drizzle of extra honey BBQ sauce for those who like an extra saucy finish.
Side Dishes
Serve One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice with a crisp, simple side salad to keep things fresh. Roasted vegetables, buttered corn, or classic coleslaw also make wonderful partnerships. If you’re feeling ambitious, warm biscuits or cornbread wouldn’t go amiss next to this comfort classic.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform leftovers into BBQ burritos or stuff them inside bell peppers for a second-day twist. For family-style meals, serve straight from the skillet and let everyone dig in together—or pile the rice into individual bowls and top with personalized garnishes for a dinner that feels extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice completely before storing in an airtight container. Kept in the fridge, it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches and midnight snacks alike.
Freezing
This dish freezes better than you might think! Divide cooled portions into freezer-friendly containers or zip-top bags. It’s best enjoyed within a month—just remember the rice texture may soften a bit after thawing, but the flavors stay bold.
Reheating
Warm servings gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to bring back the creamy texture. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating, and sprinkle on a few fresh green onions before enjoying again.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and needs a bit more broth. Start with 2 3/4 cups broth and plan for about 35 minutes of simmering, checking that the rice is completely tender before moving on to the saucy step.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Yes! Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture. You can also top with sliced fresh jalapeños for extra heat that’s easy to control.
Can I make One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice ahead of time?
Definitely—this recipe reheats like a dream. Feel free to prepare everything up to the cheese-melting step, then cool, cover, and store. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently and add the green onions just before serving for a fresh finish.
What BBQ sauce should I use?
Choose a honey BBQ sauce you love—the flavor really comes through! If you need this recipe to be gluten-free, just double-check that your sauce is labeled as such. Spicy or smoky varieties both work well, so have fun with it.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it’s a fantastic shortcut! Stir the cooked chicken in with the rice after it’s finished simmering, then move straight to the BBQ sauce and cheese step. It’s a great time-saver on extra-hectic days.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just craving something quick and soul-satisfying, One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice makes any night feel special. I can’t wait for you to dig into this colorful, cheesy, one-pan wonder—give it a try, and I bet you’ll fall in love with every bite!
Print
One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice recipe is a delicious and easy weeknight meal that combines tender chicken, flavorful BBQ sauce, and cheesy rice in one pan. Perfect for a quick dinner that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth
BBQ Sauce:
- ¾ cup honey BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Additional:
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned but not fully cooked.
- Add Rice: Stir in uncooked rice and toast for 1 minute.
- Cook Rice: Pour in chicken broth, simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until rice is tender.
- Make BBQ Sauce: Whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over chicken and rice.
- Add Cheese: Top with shredded cheddar cheese, cover until melted.
- Garnish: Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- You can substitute brown rice, but adjust broth and cook time accordingly.
- For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 465
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
