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Served plate of Honey BBQ Chicken Rice with steamed broccoli for easy weeknight dinner

One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Tender chicken cubes coated in sticky honey BBQ sauce served over fluffy rice, all cooked together in one skillet for easy cleanup and bold flavors.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts cubed into 1.5-inch pieces
  • 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons BBQ sauce thick style preferred
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2.5 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Green onions chopped, for garnish
  • Sesame seeds optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large 12-inch skillet with lid
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized cubes, about 1.5-inch pieces. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet (do not wipe clean), add minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add rice to the skillet and stir for 1 minute to toast slightly.
  5. In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using) until smooth.
  6. Pour sauce mixture and chicken broth into skillet with rice. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  7. Return chicken to the pan, nestling pieces into the rice mixture. Bring to a simmer, then cover with lid. Reduce heat to low and cook for 20 minutes without lifting the lid.
  8. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot.

Notes

Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra juiciness if preferred (add 5-10 minutes to cooking time). Reduce or eliminate red pepper flakes for a milder version. Can substitute turkey, pork, or tofu for different protein options. Brown rice requires an additional 10-15 minutes cooking time and 1/2 cup more broth. Do not lift the lid during the 20-minute cooking time to ensure rice cooks properly.
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