If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing, quick-fix dinner that brings bold, saucy comfort to your weeknight table, look no further than One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice. This dish is an irresistible mash-up of juicy chicken, sweet and smoky sauce, fluffy rice, and gooey melted cheddar, all cooked together in one pan—meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving something hearty and homemade, One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice packs every bite with golden, cheesy, barbecue goodness that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice lies in its collection of simple, reliable pantry staples. Every ingredient serves a purpose—whether it’s building layers of savory-sweet flavor, yielding that perfect melty stretch, or making the whole process a cinch from start to finish.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and maximum tenderness.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken brown beautifully for a subtle hint of fruitiness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the savory elements in the dish.
- Garlic powder: Delivers mellow, savory depth without the need for chopping cloves.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses every bite with a gentle smokiness that makes the BBQ flavors pop.
- Long grain white rice: Absorbs all the juices, turning fluffy and infused with each saucy note.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Ensures the rice cooks up tender and savory without becoming overly salty.
- BBQ sauce: This is the soul of the dish—choose your favorite for a personalized burst of tang, sweetness, or heat.
- Honey: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness that complements the barbecue sauce and creates that irresistible glaze.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts over the skillet for an ultra-gooey finish that ties it all together.
- Green onions: A fresh garnish for a pop of color and gentle bite in every serving.
How to Make One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice
Step 1: Sauté the Seasoned Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced chicken and season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Let the pieces sizzle, stirring occasionally, until they develop a golden edge—just 4 to 5 minutes is enough. The chicken won’t be fully cooked yet, but you want each piece to get some color and soak up the spices.
Step 2: Toast the Rice
Next, stir in the uncooked long grain rice straight into the pan. Give it about a minute to toast, which intensifies its flavor and keeps the grains separated later. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to pick up a slightly nutty aroma.
Step 3: Pour in the Sauce and Simmer
Time for the One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice magic! Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey, stirring well to deglaze any flavorful bits clinging to the pan. Once the mixture comes to a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low and cover tightly. Let everything simmer away for 18 to 20 minutes. The rice will absorb all that saucy goodness, and the chicken will turn ultra-tender.
Step 4: Add the Cheesy Finish
Remove the lid and scatter the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the surface. Cover the skillet again for just 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese is irresistibly gooey and melted. This final touch gives the dish both a creamy mouthfeel and a beautiful golden top.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese has melted, finish things off by sprinkling sliced green onions across the top. These bring a bright, peppery crunch that balances every rich bite. Serve the One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice straight from the pan while it’s piping hot and watch it disappear in minutes.
How to Serve One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can have a little fun! Try a handful of extra sliced green onions for a classic finish, or add diced fresh tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and even a swirl of extra BBQ sauce for extra pizzazz. A sprinkle of crispy fried onions or jalapeño rings will give the dish a welcoming crunch and pop of color.
Side Dishes
One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it partners beautifully with crisp coleslaw, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables. If you’re feeling Southern, a classic side of cornbread or a scoop of creamy potato salad turns dinner into a true feast.
Creative Ways to Present
You can dish your One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice straight from the skillet for that cozy, family-style feel, or serve it up in individual bowls for meal prep or dinner parties. For a festive touch, pack it into bell pepper “boats,” or stuff it into wraps for a fun barbecue-inspired burrito. The sky’s the limit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if tomorrow’s lunch tastes even bolder!
Freezing
Want to make this dish ahead? Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months. Just hold off on garnishing with green onions until after reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, pop single servings in the microwave with a splash of extra broth or water to maintain the rice’s creaminess. If you’re warming up a big batch, cover and heat gently in a skillet over low, stirring occasionally until piping hot. Top with some fresh cheese or green onions to liven it up again!
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cook time. Plan to add about half a cup extra broth and extend the simmer time by 15–20 minutes to ensure everything cooks through evenly.
What’s the best type Main Course
Any favorite BBQ sauce works beautifully! Smoky, tangy, or sweet styles all bring a different spin—use what you love, or experiment for a new twist each time you make One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Toss in a cup of frozen corn, peas, or chopped bell peppers during the last five minutes of simmering for extra color, flavor, and nutrition.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just double-check your BBQ sauce to make sure it’s gluten-free, and you’re all set for a naturally gluten-free main that everyone can enjoy.
What other cheeses can I use?
While sharp cheddar brings classic flavor, you can easily swap in Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even mozzarella for extra meltiness in your One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy weeknight recipe that’s guaranteed to win hearts and satisfy hungry appetites, One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is a surefire success. One bite and you’ll see why it’s a household favorite! I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own—happy cooking!
Print
One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy one-skillet meal featuring tender honey BBQ chicken and fluffy rice, topped with melted cheddar cheese and green onions.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Rice:
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Sauce and Toppings:
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, and sauté for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned.
- Add Rice and Liquid: Stir in the uncooked rice and toast for 1 minute. Add the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey, stirring well to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Melt Cheese and Serve: Remove the lid, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover again for 2–3 minutes to melt the cheese. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce for custom flavor.
- Add frozen corn, peas, or bell peppers in the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
- This dish reheats well and makes a great next-day lunch.
