This Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Skillet is a sweet, smoky, one-pan meal that combines golden-brown chicken, tender rice, and colorful veggies in a rich honey-barbecue sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort dish—ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Flavorful, easy, and totally satisfying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🥘 Protein + Grains: Chicken and rice make this a complete meal in one pan.
- 🧈 BBQ Meets Honey: Sweet, smoky, and packed with flavor from real spices and sauce.
- 🥕 Veggie Boost: Carrots, peas, corn, and peppers add color and nutrition.
- ⏱️ No Fuss Cooking: One skillet, no stirring halfway through—just simmer and rest.
- 🎉 Great for Sharing: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or packed lunches.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6):
For the Chicken & Rice:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts , cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice , rinsed and drained
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (mesquite or hickory-style recommended)
- ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup for lighter sweetness)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen peas, carrots, corn, bell peppers – fresh or frozen)
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Optional Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Cut chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces.
In a small bowl, mix:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
Sprinkle half of the seasoning over the chicken before cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat .
Add chicken in a single layer (don’t overcrowd) and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown—not fully cooked through yet.
Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp oil if needed.
Stir in rinsed rice and remaining seasoning mixture .
Cook for 1–2 minutes , stirring constantly, until the rice becomes slightly translucent around the edges.
Step 4: Add Liquids & Stir Well
Carefully pour in:
- Chicken broth (watch for splatters!)
- BBQ sauce
- Honey
Stir well to combine everything and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom—they’re full of flavor!
Step 5: Simmer Everything Together
Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture.
Cover tightly with a lid and reduce heat to low .
Let it simmer for 15 minutes —do not lift the lid or stir during this time.
After 15 minutes, gently spread the mixed vegetables over the top.
Cover again and cook for another 5 minutes , or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temp ).
Step 6: Rest & Fluff
Remove from heat and let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes —this helps the rice finish steaming and absorb any extra moisture.
Uncover and fluff the rice gently with a fork, mixing in the veggies and chicken.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve Hot
Top with:
- Fresh green onions or parsley
- A drizzle of extra BBQ sauce for more flavor
Serve directly from the skillet or transfer to a serving dish.
Enjoy warm with a glass of milk, coleslaw, or garlic bread on the side.
Tips for Success:
- 🍯 Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce before cooking and adjust honey or sugar as needed.
- 🥣 Use Brown Rice (Optional): For a healthier version—but increase broth by ½ cup and extend simmer time to 25–30 minutes.
- 🥦 Add More Veggies: Zucchini, green beans, or mushrooms work great too.
- 🍛 Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the liquid for heat lovers.
- ❄️ Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days—or freeze portions for later.
Serving Suggestions:
- Great with grilled meats, baked beans, or cornbread for a full Southern plate.
- Ideal for lunch boxes, dinner plates, or casual backyard cookouts.
- Perfect with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for balance.
Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 6 servings – approximate):
(Without optional garnish – based on regular ingredients)
- Calories: ~300 kcal
- Protein: ~18g
- Carbohydrates: ~25g
- Fat: ~12g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~10g
This One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice brings bold barbecue flavor and comforting textures together in one simple, hearty dish. With its golden chicken, soft rice, and vibrant veggies—it’s a flavorful, fuss-free meal you’ll want to make again and again.
