Sticky, sweet, and savory in every bite—this One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe is your new weeknight go-to. Imagine juicy bites of seasoned chicken glazed in a rich honey BBQ sauce, layered over fluffy fried rice, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh green onions. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and bold flavors, all made in just one skillet.

What makes this dish a game-changer isn’t just the taste, it’s the ease. No need to dirty a dozen dishes or wait on oven timers. With minimal prep and a simple cooking method, this one-pan wonder comes together quickly without compromising on flavor. It’s ideal for busy families, last-minute dinners, or anyone craving a delicious meal with minimal cleanup.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (

Before you dive into making this mouthwatering meal, make sure your kitchen is prepped and ready. Having the right tools on hand ensures your cooking process flows smoothly from start to finish.

Large Nonstick Skillet or Cast-Iron Pan: This is your star player. You’ll be searing chicken and then cooking everything in one vessel, so you want something that distributes heat evenly and has enough space to avoid overcrowding.

Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring the rice and flipping the chicken without scratching your nonstick surface. It helps evenly coat the chicken in sauce and keeps your pan in good shape.

Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: Essential for dicing chicken and slicing green onions. A clean cut ensures even cooking and a nice presentation.

Mixing Bowl: To toss your chicken pieces with seasoning before they hit the hot pan. This helps flavor the chicken throughout and keeps your prep clean.

Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision matters when balancing the sweet and savory BBQ sauce, especially when using honey and bold spices.

Once your tools are gathered and your ingredients are prepped, you’re ready to create a skillet meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple.

Ingredients for the One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building flavor, texture, and that crave-worthy balance of sweet and savory.

Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless): The main protein—lean, tender, and perfect for absorbing bold flavors. Cubed small for quick, even cooking.

Cooked White Rice (preferably day-old): Using day-old rice ensures a better texture for frying, preventing the dish from becoming mushy.

Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a glossy, sticky glaze that clings to the chicken.

BBQ Sauce (bold style): The heart of the flavor. Go for a smoky, bold blend to contrast the honey’s sweetness.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These seasonings layer in savory depth that balances the sauce.

Paprika (smoked or sweet): Adds a touch of warmth and color to the chicken.

Soy Sauce: Boosts umami and seasons the rice without overpowering the other flavors.

Butter or Oil: For frying the rice and browning the chicken to golden perfection.

Green Onions: Added fresh at the end for brightness, crunch, and a pop of color.

Salt & Pepper: Always taste and adjust. These foundational seasonings are key to balance.

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

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same pan, lower heat to medium and add BBQ sauce and honey. Stir until bubbling, then return the cooked chicken to the pan. Coat evenly in the sticky glaze. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Fry the Rice

Push chicken to the side of the pan or remove temporarily. Add a bit more oil if needed. Stir in the cooked rice and soy sauce. Fry until heated through and lightly crisped, about 3–5 minutes.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Mix chicken and rice together until well combined and coated. Sprinkle with fresh green onions before serving.

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

This dish is a total crowd-pleaser, and the way you serve it can elevate the experience even more. Scoop it into shallow bowls for a cozy, rustic vibe or plate it up with extra garnishes like sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or even a fried egg on top for brunch vibes.

Pair it with a side of steamed broccoli, stir-fried veggies, or a crisp cucumber salad to round out the meal. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own, but those fresh sides bring brightness to each bite.

To store:
Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To reheat:
Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals until heated through.

To freeze:
Freeze portions in airtight, freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this recipe?

This dish isn’t spicy unless you choose a spicy BBQ sauce. You can easily make it mild or kick up the heat with hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs work great and stay extra juicy. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.

What kind of rice works best?

Day-old white rice is ideal because it’s slightly dried out and fries up beautifully. Freshly cooked rice can be too soft and sticky.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Just pan-fry until crispy before adding the sauce.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Go for a bold, smoky sauce that contrasts the honey. Think Kansas City or hickory-style blends for that deep, rich flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Totally. Use a larger skillet or cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Everything else scales easily.

Want More Chicken & Rice Dinner Ideas?

If you love this One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, you’ll definitely want to check out these flavorful meals from my kitchen:

• Sweet Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta for a saucy noodle twist.
• One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef Rice if you’re craving a smoky, spiced-up variation.
• Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini for a meaty alternative with garlicky flair.
• One-Pot Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Pasta for a pasta-meets-rice hybrid full of punchy flavor.
• One-Pan Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice when you want a hint of sweetness with bold sausage bites.

And for even more recipe inspiration, follow along on my Pinterest board where I share daily creations: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

Save This Recipe 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 it turned out for you. Did you use chicken breast or opt for juicy thighs? Maybe you added chili flakes for some heat?

I love seeing your takes on my recipes. Share your version or ask questions—let’s make dinner delicious together.

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is the ultimate quick comfort meal. Juicy chicken is glazed with a sticky honey BBQ sauce and tossed with fried rice for a savory-sweet dinner that comes together fast—with just one skillet to clean!

Instructions

1. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss well in a mixing bowl.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil or butter in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.

3. Reduce heat to medium. In the same pan, add BBQ sauce and honey. Stir until combined and bubbly.

4. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sticky honey BBQ glaze. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.

5. Push the chicken to one side or remove briefly. Add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Stir in the cooked rice and soy sauce.

6. Fry the rice for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated and slightly crispy.

7. Mix chicken and rice together until fully coated. Garnish with fresh green onions before serving.

Notes

Day-old rice works best for stir-frying because it holds its shape and crisps up better than fresh rice.

Use a bold BBQ sauce to balance the honey sweetness—look for Kansas City-style or hickory-smoked blends.

Chicken thighs can be swapped in for extra juiciness, just adjust the cook time by 1–2 minutes longer.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
Calories: 460
Sugar: 17g

Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g

Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g

Fiber: 1g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: honey bbq chicken, one-pan meal, chicken rice, quick dinner