If you’re craving a comforting dish that bursts with sweet and smoky flavors without a pile of dirty dishes afterward, the One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe is an absolute game changer. This delicious one-pan wonder combines tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts with fluffy rice that soaks up a luscious blend of honey, BBQ sauce, and tangy apple cider vinegar. It’s a warm hug on a plate and comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners when you want something effortlessly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s great about this recipe is how simple and accessible the ingredients are, yet each one plays a vital role in crafting that irresistible flavor and texture. From the smoky spices on the chicken to the rich, sweet-and-tangy rice base, these components work in harmony to make every bite a delight.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that stays tender when cooked right.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for a golden sear and keeping the chicken juicy.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Basic seasoning that enhances every other ingredient.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky depth and gorgeous color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory punch that pairs beautifully with BBQ flavors.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a mild sweetness and balances the spice.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: The comforting, fluffy base that soaks up all the saucy goodness.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Infuses the rice with rich, meaty flavor.
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce: The heart of this recipe—sweet, tangy, and smoky.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Adds natural sweetness that complements the BBQ sauce perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Brings brightness and a slight tang to cut through richness.
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional): Freshness and a pop of color to elevate the final dish.
How to Make One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Each spice adds layers of flavor that will make your chicken absolutely irresistible. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Sear the chicken for 6–7 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and cooked through. This step locks in juices and creates a delicious crust that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice Base
After transferring the cooked chicken to a plate, use the same skillet for the rice. This is where all those browned bits left behind come into play, infusing your rice with extra flavor. Add the rice to the skillet and stir it around so it gets coated with the oil and seasoning. This simple step ensures your rice doesn’t turn out bland.
Step 3: Combine the Sauce and Simmer
Now it’s time for the saucy magic. Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar, stirring everything together. Let this mixture come to a gentle simmer—it smells amazing already! Reducing the heat to low, cover the skillet and let the rice cook for 15–20 minutes until fully tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. The rice will soak up that sweet, smoky sauce for spectacular flavor.
Step 4: Warm the Chicken Through
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them on top of the rice. Cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes just to heat everything through. This step finishes cooking the chicken while allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
How to Serve One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions adds a lovely fresh crunch and bright green color that makes the whole dish pop on the plate. You can also add a few fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley if you want to experiment with fresh flavors that complement the BBQ nicely.
Side Dishes
This recipe is comforting and filling on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, serving it alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies works wonders. Simple steamed broccoli or grilled asparagus brings a nice contrast to the sweet and smoky chicken and rice.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or meal prep, consider scooping the chicken and rice into individual ramekins or shallow bowls and topping with a little extra BBQ sauce drizzle. You could even transform leftovers into a loaded BBQ chicken rice bowl by adding avocado slices, corn, or black beans for a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though it’s so good it might disappear fast), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a fantastic next-day lunch option.
Freezing
This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Freeze in individual portions with plenty of sauce to keep the rice moist. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating for an easy, ready-to-go meal.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if it feels dry, or microwave covered to retain moisture. This keeps the chicken tender and rice perfectly saucy.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time and possibly more liquid. Keep an eye on it to ensure the rice is tender before adding the chicken back.
Is it okay to use BBQ sauce with different flavors?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce, whether it’s smoky, spicy, or sweet. Just adjust the honey amount slightly if your sauce is already very sweet or tangy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure to use gluten-free BBQ sauce and chicken broth. Most of the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What’s the best cut of chicken for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work wonderfully because they cook evenly and stay juicy with proper searing—plus they absorb flavors well.
Can I double this recipe for more people?
Yes, doubling works fine as long as you have a skillet large enough to accommodate the ingredients without overcrowding. You may need to adjust cooking times slightly.
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly encourage you to try the One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe whenever you want an easy, delicious meal that feels special but takes minimal effort. It’s the kind of dish that becomes a fast favorite in any household, delivering big flavors and cozy satisfaction with every bite. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to be a regular go-to in your kitchen!
Print
One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make meal featuring perfectly seasoned chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, simmered alongside tender white rice infused with a tangy honey BBQ sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights, this dish combines savory spices, sweet honey, and smoky BBQ flavors all in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum taste.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for optimal flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6–7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Rice: In the same skillet, add the long-grain white rice and stir it around to coat it with the remaining oil and seasoning left in the pan, helping to infuse the rice with extra flavor.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly, then bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook the Rice: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the rice cook for 15–20 minutes, or until it becomes tender and all the liquid is absorbed, forming a flavorful base for the chicken.
- Reheat the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, placing them on top of the cooked rice. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes on low heat to heat the chicken through and meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish the dish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve immediately for a comforting, all-in-one meal.
Notes
- For best results, use bone-in chicken breasts if you prefer juicier meat, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- You can substitute BBQ sauce with your preferred brand or homemade version for custom flavor intensity.
- If you want a spicier dish, consider adding chili powder or cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure the BBQ sauce used is certified gluten-free.
