Dinner

One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe

Name: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 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); Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

ByElla Hart October 29, 2025October 29, 2025

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Introduction

One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is a delicious and easy meal that combines tender chicken thighs with flavorful rice and vegetables. This dish comes together quickly and requires just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting homemade dinner.

The dish shows a close-up of a black pan filled with a base layer of light brown cooked rice, topped with several pieces of golden-brown chicken coated in a thick, shiny dark brown sauce. The chicken pieces are scattered evenly over the rice and sprinkled with small bits of fresh green herbs, adding a pop of color. The texture of the chicken looks tender and moist, while the rice appears fluffy. The photo is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, add the rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. This will enhance the flavor of the rice.
Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, honey BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and return the chicken to the skillet. Add the frozen mixed vegetables on top of the chicken and rice. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika as suggested, or add a dash of cayenne for some heat.
You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option, but watch cooking time as breasts cook faster.
Use fresh vegetables instead of frozen, adding them in the last 10 minutes of simmering to retain texture.
To make this gluten-free, ensure your BBQ sauce contains no gluten ingredients.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the rice seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating to keep it moist.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white plate filled with three layers: the bottom layer is a bed of light brown cooked rice with a soft, grainy texture; on top of the rice, there are multiple small, evenly sized golden-brown chicken pieces arranged in a neat pattern; the chicken is covered with a shiny, thick, dark brown sauce that glistens under the light, with small fresh green herb pieces sprinkled over all the chicken chunks, adding a fresh pop of color; the photo focuses mainly on the chicken and sauce, showing the contrast between the smooth sauce, tender chicken, and textured rice beneath, on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

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 more liquid. Adjust the simmering time accordingly, usually about 40-45 minutes.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, replace chicken with firm tofu or a plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Cook the protein separately if needed to ensure proper texture.