There are a handful of dinners that feel effortless but taste like you spent all evening working on them, and this One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is one of those gems. It hits every craving at once—sweet, smoky, garlicky, sticky, saucy—and it cooks fast enough for a weeknight. The whole meal happens in one skillet, and the glaze thickens right onto the chicken without needing any cornstarch. If you love meals that bring big flavor with simple steps, this recipe is about to become one you keep coming back to.

The best part is how the sauce comes together. Instead of building a barbecue glaze separately, the honey caramelizes directly in the pan with the garlic, butter, and soy sauce. That tiny bit of soy doesn’t make the dish taste Asian—instead, it wakes up the BBQ flavor and gives the chicken a deeper savory backbone. The result is a thick, shiny coating that clings to every piece beautifully. When you mix in the warm rice at the end, every grain gets coated in that sticky glaze, giving you the perfect “takeout-style” finish without the takeout price.

A little trick that takes this recipe to the next level is letting the chicken brown slightly before adding the sauce. Don’t rush that part—those browned edges are what hold the bold flavor. The sugar in the BBQ sauce and honey will do the rest, turning into a glossy glaze in just a few minutes. And because the dish is meant to be tossed with rice, it stretches beautifully, making it a smart option for feeding hungry families or meal prepping for busy days.

Whether you serve it straight from the skillet, scoop it into bowls, or double the recipe for leftovers, this Honey BBQ Chicken delivers every single time.

Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice – browned chicken pieces cooking in a skillet

Ingredients

Chicken & Sauce Base

2 large chicken breasts, diced into small bite-size cubes for quick cooking
½ cup BBQ sauce for the sticky, bold glaze
¼ cup honey to balance the smokiness with sweetness
2 tbsp soy sauce for depth and savory flavor
1 tbsp minced garlic to build a rich base
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
1 tbsp butter for sautéing and richness

Rice

2 cups cooked rice, any type you prefer (white, jasmine, or leftover rice)

Instructions (Step-by-step Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe)

Sauté the Garlic Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic to keep the flavor smooth and sweet.

Cook the Chicken Add the diced chicken breasts directly into the skillet. Season with black pepper and paprika. Stir and cook for 6–8 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides and mostly cooked through.

Make the Honey BBQ Sauce Pour in the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and chili flakes (if using). Stir everything together so the chicken is fully coated. Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.

Add the Rice Add the cooked rice straight into the pan. Gently fold it into the sauce, making sure every grain gets coated in the sticky honey BBQ glaze.

Finish and Serve Cook for another 2 minutes to heat everything through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot right from the skillet.