This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavor-packed, fuss-free meal that comes together in a single skillet. Juicy chicken bites coated in a rich honey BBQ glaze rest on a bed of perfectly seasoned rice, giving you a balanced and satisfying dish without needing a pile of pots and pans. Each bite delivers a combo of sweet, smoky, and savory notes that makes dinner feel like a weekend treat—even on a busy weeknight.

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Simple one-dish meal with chicken and rice- 1

Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is your golden ticket. It’s hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy to whip up. Plus, with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s exactly the kind of meal that will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

All-in-One Simplicity: Everything cooks in a single pan for convenience and easy cleanup.
Bold Flavor: The sticky-sweet BBQ glaze brings a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the fluffy rice.
Versatile: Use white, brown, or jasmine rice, and swap in your favorite veggies.
Meal Prep Friendly: This dish keeps well and reheats like a dream.
Crowd Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding kids or adults, this dish wins on all fronts.

What Kind of BBQ Sauce Should I Use?

For this recipe, a thick, smoky BBQ sauce with a hint of sweetness works best. Look for a brand labeled “honey BBQ” or “bold BBQ” to achieve that rich glaze. If you like heat, a spicy BBQ version adds a kick that balances the honey nicely. You can even make your own homemade sauce for a personal twist. Just be sure it’s thick enough to coat the chicken and caramelize beautifully in the pan.

Ingredients for the One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Chicken Breast or Thighs: Boneless and skinless, these provide juicy, tender protein that holds the BBQ glaze perfectly.
Cooked Rice: Day-old rice works best to avoid sogginess and gives that satisfying fried rice texture.
Honey BBQ Sauce: The sweet and tangy flavor makes the glaze irresistible.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds an aromatic depth that enhances the sauce.
Soy Sauce: Brings a savory, umami balance to the sweet BBQ notes.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and garlic, it adds richness and helps everything crisp up.
Chopped Green Onions: These add a pop of freshness and color at the end.
Red Chili (Optional): For those who love a little heat, thin slices give a spicy kick.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing all the other flavors.

How To Make the One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes, mince the garlic, and chop the green onions and optional chili. Have your rice ready (preferably day-old).

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden on the outside and fully cooked through.

Step 3: Add the Garlic

Lower the heat to medium, add the minced garlic to the pan, and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Glaze the Chicken

Pour in the honey BBQ sauce and a splash of soy sauce. Stir to coat the chicken thoroughly. Let the sauce simmer and caramelize slightly, coating every piece with a sticky glaze.

Step 5: Stir in the Rice

Add the cooked rice directly into the skillet. Gently mix everything so the rice soaks up the sauce. Let it fry for 2-3 minutes without stirring too much so you get some crispy bits.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped green onions and red chili if using. Serve hot straight from the skillet.

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How to Serve and Store Your One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

This dish is best served hot, straight from the skillet, when the chicken is sticky and the rice is slightly crispy. It feeds about 4 hungry people generously, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings. If you’re planning ahead, it also works great as a meal prep option.

To store, let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it up in a pan with a splash of water to bring back moisture. Avoid freezing if possible, as the texture of the rice may change.

What to Serve With One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?

Steamed Broccoli

A light and nutritious side that balances out the bold flavors.

Asian Cucumber Salad

Crunchy, tangy cucumbers offer a refreshing contrast to the warm BBQ rice.

Fried Egg

Top the dish with a sunny-side-up egg for an extra layer of richness.

Kimchi

Fermented and spicy, kimchi adds a punch of flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.

Pickled Carrots or Radish

A quick-pickled veggie side can cut through the richness and brighten the meal.

Garlic Green Beans

Sautéed with olive oil and garlic, green beans add crunch and depth.

Fresh Pineapple Slices

Sweet and juicy pineapple is a surprisingly perfect match with BBQ flavors.

Chili Crisp or Hot Sauce

Add an extra drizzle of heat for spice lovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use leftover chicken instead of fresh?
Yes, absolutely! Just cut it into bite-sized pieces and add it when you’re mixing in the sauce and rice. This avoids overcooking.

2. Can I make this dish spicier?
Definitely. Add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or use a spicy BBQ sauce to dial up the heat.

3. What kind of rice works best?
Day-old white rice is ideal because it’s drier and fries better. Jasmine or basmati rice also work well for extra fragrance.

4. How can I make it more nutritious?
Add chopped bell peppers, peas, or spinach when you stir in the rice. You can also opt for brown rice or quinoa.

5. Can I use a different protein?
Yes! Shrimp, tofu, or even leftover pulled pork would be delicious alternatives to chicken.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra spice or switch up the protein? Did you toss in veggies?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

Find even more easy and delicious recipes like this one over on my Life With Livia Pinterest.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a full-on flavor experience that takes minimal effort and delivers big-time satisfaction. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or impressing your guests, it’s a go-to dish that you’ll crave again and again. Try it tonight and see why one-pan meals are truly the heroes of busy kitchens.

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Author: Livia Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Looking for an easy recipe that delivers bold flavor with minimal cleanup? This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is your perfect solution. It’s a quick dinner, easy meal prep, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with juicy chicken coated in a sticky honey BBQ glaze over perfectly seasoned rice. Ideal for those who love simple dinner ideas without compromising taste. Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or healthy snack portions—this is comfort food done right.

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes, mince the garlic, and chop the green onions and optional chili. Have your rice ready (preferably day-old).

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden on the outside and fully cooked through.

3. Lower the heat to medium, add the minced garlic to the pan, and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Pour in the honey BBQ sauce and a splash of soy sauce. Stir to coat the chicken thoroughly. Let the sauce simmer and caramelize slightly, coating every piece with a sticky glaze.

5. Add the cooked rice directly into the skillet. Gently mix everything so the rice soaks up the sauce. Let it fry for 2-3 minutes without stirring too much so you get some crispy bits.

6. Top with chopped green onions and red chili if using. Serve hot straight from the skillet.

Notes

Use day-old rice for best texture—fresh rice tends to get mushy.

You can swap honey BBQ with spicy BBQ if you like heat.

Add veggies like peas, bell peppers, or spinach to boost nutrition.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One-Pan Skillet
Cuisine: American-Asian fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 470
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: quick dinner, honey BBQ chicken, easy recipe, one-pan meal, rice dish