Honey BBQ One Pan Chicken and Rice with Caramelized Edges – Easy Dinner

Sticky-sweet, rich, and beautifully caramelized, this recipe brings back the kind of comfort that only comes from childhood kitchens. I remember sitting cross-legged on the kitchen floor, peeking into the oven, waiting for the moment the edges of the rice would crisp up and turn golden. The scent of honey-kissed BBQ chicken mingling with garlic and paprika still makes me feel warm inside.

This dish quickly became one of those trusted go-to meals: minimal dishes, maximum flavor. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you want real food but don’t want a sink full of pans. Everything goes into one pan, bubbles away in the oven, and comes out coated in that thick, glossy BBQ glaze with crispy rice edges that no one can resist.

This honey BBQ one pan chicken and rice with caramelized edges is the dinner you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for game days, casual Sundays, or when the craving hits for something savory-sweet with a bit of crunch. Grab your favorite BBQ sauce and let’s get to it.

Why This Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice Is a Must-Make

This one pan wonder hits all the right notes

• Everything bakes together in one dish for easy prep and cleanup
• The rice soaks up all the chicken juices and BBQ flavors
• Caramelized edges form around the rice and chicken
• Works for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings
• Customizable and family-friendly with simple ingredients

What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

Here’s your quick list of flavorful pantry staples and fresh ingredients to make this honey BBQ one pan chicken and rice with caramelized edges pop

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 ½ cups uncooked long grain white rice
• 2 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup honey BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

These ingredients combine to make the most satisfying flavor-packed casserole-style dinner with minimal effort.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Heat a large oven-safe skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sear the chicken thighs skin side down for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 2 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
2. Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add uncooked rice and toast it for 2 minutes, stirring to coat with oil and spices.
3. Pour in chicken broth and half of the BBQ sauce. Stir gently to combine and bring just to a simmer. Remove from heat.
4. Nestle the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture, skin side up. Brush the remaining BBQ sauce generously over each piece of chicken.
5. Transfer pan to the oven uncovered. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F) and rice is tender with crispy caramelized edges around the pan. Let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving.

For another cozy one-pan dinner, check out One Pan Chicken and Rice Bake.

Best Ways to Serve This Sticky BBQ Chicken and Rice

This honey BBQ one pan chicken and rice recipe can be plated up a bunch of ways to make it feel fresh every time

• Add a simple chopped salad on the side with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness
• Roasted green beans, carrots, or steamed broccoli balance the bold flavors perfectly
• Serve with warm cornbread or fluffy dinner rolls to scoop up the extra sauce
• A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds creaminess and cools the spice
• Finish it with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness or chopped green onions for crunch

Try serving it alongside our Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice for a flavor-packed duo.

Tweak It Your Way: Variations to Try

Make it your own by swapping ingredients or adjusting to your family’s taste preferences

• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for faster cooking and easier prep
• Swap in chicken drumsticks or bone-in breasts if that’s what you have on hand
• Add a can of corn, diced bell peppers, or frozen peas to the rice before baking
• Make it low-carb by using riced cauliflower instead of regular rice (reduce broth to 1 cup)
• Try different sauces like chipotle BBQ, Korean BBQ, or a spicy honey glaze

Love easy swaps? Our Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs recipe is ultra flexible too.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

This honey BBQ chicken and rice dish keeps well and tastes just as good reheated

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 15 minutes, adding a splash of broth to keep moisture
• For faster reheating, microwave in 1-minute bursts covered with a damp paper towel
• Avoid freezing, as rice can become mushy when thawed

Meal preppers also love our Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken for easy storage.

My Best Tips for Foolproof One-Pan BBQ Chicken

Here’s how to guarantee crisp, juicy chicken and fluffy rice every time

• Pat chicken dry before searing so the skin gets a deep golden crust
• Don’t rush the sear; color equals flavor and helps prevent sogginess
• Use a heavy oven-safe skillet or deep dish to promote even cooking and caramelization
• Stir the rice only once after adding liquid to avoid releasing starch
• Let the dish rest before serving to allow juices to redistribute

Another winning trick? Try it with our ultra-juicy Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken next time.

Don’t Do This: 4 Common Mistakes

Avoid these easy missteps to keep your dish from turning out soggy or underwhelming

• Adding too much broth or BBQ sauce can lead to mushy rice
• Skipping the sear means you miss out on flavor and crisp skin
• Using short-grain rice can create a gummy texture instead of fluffy grains
• Overcrowding your pan keeps the rice from caramelizing at the edges

Use the right pan, measure carefully, and keep the oven uncovered for the best result.

The Final Bite

This honey BBQ chicken and rice recipe is everything a one pan dinner should be: deeply flavorful, satisfyingly crisp, and comforting. It turns simple ingredients into a sticky, saucy, savory-sweet meal with irresistible crispy edges and bold flavor in every bite. One dish, one oven, and one very happy dinner.

Pin it, share it, and bookmark it, this is a recipe worth repeating week after week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Honey BBQ One Pan Chicken and Rice

Can you bake chicken and rice together in one pan?

Yes, this recipe is designed to cook both at the same time. The rice absorbs the chicken juices and BBQ sauce, creating deep flavor and a tender, caramelized texture.

What’s the secret to getting crispy caramelized edges on chicken and rice?

Using the right pan (cast iron or oven-safe skillet), searing the chicken first, and baking uncovered are key to developing those golden brown edges around the rice and chicken.

Should the rice be cooked or raw when baking with chicken?

Use uncooked long grain white rice. It cooks in the oven along with the chicken and soaks up all the broth and flavor during baking.

What type of BBQ sauce works best for honey BBQ chicken and rice?

Thick, sweet-style BBQ sauces with honey or brown sugar base are ideal. Avoid vinegar-heavy or watery sauces, as they won’t create the same rich glaze or caramelized finish.

Is this honey BBQ chicken and rice good for meal prep?

Absolutely. It holds up well in the fridge for several days and reheats nicely, making it a great choice for prepping lunches or easy reheated dinners during the week.

Honey BBQ One Pan Chicken and Rice with Caramelized Edges – Easy Dinner

Author: Ellie Courses: Dinner