One Pan Bold Honey has become my absolute go-to for a weeknight dinner that feels special without all the fuss. I still remember the first time I made it; the aroma of smoky BBQ sauce, sweet honey, and savory chicken filled my kitchen, and my family practically ran to the table! This Bold Honey Chicken Recipe is a game-changer because it truly is a one-pan wonder, meaning minimal cleanup for maximum flavor. If you’ve ever wondered how to make One Pan Bold Honey Chicken that’s both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple, you’ve come to the right place. Get ready for a meal that’s bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection! Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This One Pan Bold Honey Chicken
This One Pan Bold Honey Chicken is a weeknight miracle, and here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Incredible Flavor: Get ready for a taste explosion! The smoky BBQ sauce, sweet honey, and savory chicken create a bold, irresistible flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s truly a Bold Flavored Honey Chicken experience.
- Super Speedy Prep: With minimal chopping and everything cooking in one pan, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy evenings. It’s an Easy One Pan Honey Chicken dish that comes together in a flash.
- Healthy-ish Dinner: Using lean chicken and packed with protein, this dish offers a more wholesome alternative to takeout. It’s a great option for a Healthy One Pan Honey Chicken meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with common pantry staples and affordable chicken, this recipe is kind to your wallet.
- Family Approved: The sweet and savory flavors are a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a perfect One Pan Honey Chicken Dinner solution.
- Effortless Cleanup: The best part? Everything cooks in one pan, meaning less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal.
- Versatile and Quick: Whether you need a fast weeknight meal or a simple weekend dinner, this Quick Honey Chicken Recipe fits the bill.
Ingredients for Bold Honey Chicken Recipe
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Honey BBQ Chicken One Pan meal:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces – I like to cut them about 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old) – Using day-old rice is key to getting those lovely crispy bits without the rice becoming mushy.
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (bold and smoky) – This is the flavor base, so choose a sauce you really love! A smoky variety adds a great depth.
- 3 tablespoons honey – For that perfect sweet glaze that balances the smoky BBQ.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce – Adds a savory umami kick and helps tenderize the chicken.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is a must for that pungent aroma and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – To help sear the chicken and get it nice and golden.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – For a little bit of spice.
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped – For a fresh, bright garnish at the end.
How to Make One Pan Bold Honey Chicken
This Bold Honey Chicken and Rice comes together so easily, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with multiple pans! It’s the perfect solution for a satisfying One Pan Honey Chicken Dinner.
- Step 1: Get your oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, prepare your chicken. Cut 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Season them generously with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the flavor-packed sauce: combine 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, 3 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 2 cloves minced garlic. This blend is what gives our chicken that irresistible bold honey flavor. Set this luscious mixture aside.
- Step 3: Grab your skillet – a large, oven-safe one is ideal! Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and place it over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan; you want them to sear, not steam.
- Step 4: Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 2–3 minutes. You’ll hear it sizzling, and you’ll see a beautiful golden-brown crust forming on the bottom. Flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 3–4 minutes on the other side until they are mostly cooked through and nicely golden.
- Step 5: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Now, pour that glorious honey BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Stir everything gently to coat each piece of chicken in the thick, glossy sauce.
- Step 6: Let the sauce and chicken simmer together for about 3–4 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken up nicely and cling to the chicken, creating that signature bold honey glaze. The aroma at this stage is incredible!
- Step 7: Add the 3 cups of cooked rice directly into the skillet with the saucy chicken. Stir everything together gently, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the delicious sauce and mingles with the tender chicken.
- Step 8: For those who love a little texture, let the mixture sit undisturbed in the hot skillet for 1–2 minutes. This optional step helps create some wonderfully crispy bits of rice and chicken at the bottom – pure gold!
- Step 9: Sprinkle the freshly chopped 2 stalks green onions over the top for a burst of freshness and color. Give it one last gentle stir, and your amazing One Pan Bold Honey Chicken is ready to be served piping hot!
Pro Tips for the Best One Pan Bold Honey Chicken
Want to elevate your One Pan Bold Honey Chicken game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference:
- Use Day-Old Rice: Seriously, this is a game-changer for texture. Freshly cooked rice releases too much steam and can make your dish soggy. Day-old rice holds up much better and gets delightfully crispy edges.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, give each piece enough space. Overcrowding steams the chicken instead of searing it, preventing that beautiful golden-brown crust we’re after.
- Control Your Heat: Adjusting the heat is crucial. Start with medium-high for searing, then drop it to medium-low when adding the sauce to let it thicken without burning.
- Taste and Adjust: Before adding the rice, taste the sauce. Need more sweetness? Add a touch more honey. Want more tang? A splash of apple cider vinegar can work wonders.
What’s the secret to perfect One Pan Bold Honey Chicken?
The real secret to that perfect Best One Pan Bold Honey flavor lies in two things: using a bold, smoky BBQ sauce and letting that honey glaze reduce properly. This creates a rich, sticky coating that coats every bite beautifully.
Can I make One Pan Bold Honey Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep components ahead! Cook the chicken and make the sauce separately, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the skillet before adding the rice. For more make-ahead meal ideas, check out these breakfast recipes that can be prepped in advance.
How do I avoid common mistakes with One Pan Bold Honey Chicken?
The biggest pitfall is soggy rice – use day-old rice to prevent this! Also, don’t skip searing the chicken; it adds essential flavor and texture. Finally, ensure your sauce reduces enough to become glossy and clingy.
Best Ways to Serve One Pan Bold Honey Chicken
This versatile One Pan Bold Honey Chicken is fantastic on its own, but serving it with a few simple sides really makes it sing. For a complete meal, I love pairing it with some steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad to add a fresh counterpoint to the rich, sweet glaze. If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, consider serving it alongside some roasted asparagus or even some simple garlic bread to sop up any extra sauce. If you enjoy flavors similar to this, you might also love a Honey Garlic Chicken One Pan dish, which offers a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts for One Pan Bold Honey Chicken
This delicious One Pan Bold Honey Chicken is a satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown of approximate nutritional values per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 620mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the type of BBQ sauce and honey. For more information on healthy eating, you can explore resources on healthy eating guidelines.
How to Store and Reheat One Pan Bold Honey Chicken
Leftovers of this amazing One Pan Bold Honey Chicken are a treat! Once it has cooled down completely (this is important to prevent condensation and spoilage), transfer the chicken and rice mixture into airtight containers. You can comfortably store these leftovers in the refrigerator for about 3–4 days. It’s a fantastic option for lunches throughout the week, much like having a ready-made Sheet Pan Honey Chicken meal.
For longer storage, this dish freezes remarkably well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Properly stored, your Bold Honey Chicken Recipe can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it, but be sure to stir halfway through for even warming. This ensures your leftover One Pan Bold Honey Chicken tastes almost as good as the first time! If you’re interested in other one-pan meals, consider this One Pan Cheesy Ranch recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions About One Pan Bold Honey Chicken
What is One Pan Bold Honey Chicken?
One Pan Bold Honey Chicken is a delicious and convenient meal where chicken, rice, and a bold honey-based sauce are all cooked together in a single skillet. The “bold” aspect comes from using a rich, smoky BBQ sauce mixed with honey, creating a deeply flavorful glaze that coats the chicken and infuses the rice. It’s designed for maximum flavor with minimal cleanup, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
Can I make a spicy version of One Pan Bold Honey Chicken?
Absolutely! To make a Spicy Honey Chicken One Pan dish, you have a few options. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture when you whisk it together. Alternatively, you can use a spicier BBQ sauce as your base, or even add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze. This allows you to easily customize the heat level to your preference.
What kind of rice works best for this recipe?
For the best results, I highly recommend using day-old cooked rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be moister and can release too much steam, making the final dish a bit too soft or even mushy. Leftover rice from the fridge has a drier texture, which allows it to crisp up slightly in the pan when heated with the chicken and sauce, adding a wonderful textural element to your Bold Honey Chicken Recipe.
How do I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?
Since the chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces, it cooks relatively quickly. The key is to ensure you sear it properly on both sides until golden brown, as outlined in Step 4 of the instructions. If you’re unsure, you can always cut into a piece to check that it’s no longer pink inside. The sauce simmering step also helps ensure it’s cooked through while keeping it moist.
Variations of One Pan Bold Honey Chicken You Can Try
This One Pan Bold Honey Chicken recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also super adaptable! Don’t be afraid to play around with it to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Dietary Swap: For a healthier twist, try swapping the chicken for firm tofu cubes or chickpeas. You’ll want to pan-fry them until golden before adding the sauce, much like you would the chicken, to get a nice texture. This makes for a delicious vegetarian take on the Bold Flavored Honey Chicken theme.
- Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture or use a spicier BBQ sauce. You could even add a dash of sriracha for an extra punch.
- Sweet & Tangy: Craving something a bit different? For a more pronounced sweetness, try a One Pan Sweet Honey Chicken variation by adding a touch more honey and maybe a splash of pineapple juice to the sauce. A squeeze of lime at the end can add a lovely tartness.
- Veggie Power-Up: Bulk up this meal by adding extra veggies directly into the skillet with the chicken and rice. Bell peppers, broccoli florets, or snap peas are excellent choices and add wonderful color and nutrients.
One Pan Bold Honey: 2 Tasty Secrets
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe delivers a smoky, sweet, and savory meal with juicy chicken and tender rice, all cooked in a single skillet for easy cleanup. It’s a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner perfect for busy families.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (bold and smoky)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer.
- Sear for 2–3 minutes without moving, then flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the honey BBQ mixture. Stir to coat chicken.
- Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes until thick and glossy.
- Add the cooked rice into the skillet. Mix well to combine and heat the rice through.
- Let it sit for 1–2 minutes without stirring for extra crispy bits (optional).
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Day-old rice works best to prevent sogginess—fresh rice can become mushy.
- For added heat, stir in red pepper flakes or use spicy BBQ sauce.
- Make sure to reduce the glaze until it clings to the chicken—this step adds a ton of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (of 4)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg