One Pan Honey Bbq Chicken

When I made this One Pan Honey BBQ Chicken, the sweet smell of honey and smoky barbecue sauce filled the kitchen.
The chicken came out juicy and glazed, with that sticky, golden coating that makes you want another bite.
I remember serving it straight from the pan, and everyone kept dipping their forks back in.

This dish is sweet, tangy, and perfectly easy for any night.
It’s the kind of meal that feels comforting but takes almost no effort.

Let’s make it together—you’ll love how simple and flavorful it turns out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pan for easy cleanup.
• Sweet and Savory: The combination of honey and BBQ sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors.
• Quick Weeknight Meal: Ready in under 40 minutes from start to finish.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have.
• Family-Approved: Even picky eaters love this sweet and tangy chicken.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: This recipe serves 4 people. Each person gets one generous chicken breast with plenty of honey BBQ glaze. Want to feed more? Simply double the recipe and use a larger pan.

Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners. If you can stir a sauce and cook chicken in a pan, you can make this recipe.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large oven-safe skillet or pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small mixing bowl
• Meat thermometer
• Tongs or spatula

Ingredients for Honey BBQ Chicken

This recipe brings together pantry staples and fresh chicken for a meal that tastes like it took hours but comes together in minutes. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

• Chicken Breasts: Four boneless, skinless chicken breasts form the base of this dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps brown the chicken and prevents sticking.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Season the chicken for maximum flavor.

For the Honey BBQ Sauce:

• BBQ Sauce: Your favorite store-bought variety works perfectly. Choose sweet, smoky, or spicy based on your preference.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create that sticky glaze.
• Garlic Powder: Brings savory depth to the sauce.
• Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and beautiful color.

For Garnish:

• Green Onions: Sliced thin for a fresh, mild onion flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: Optional but adds a nice texture and restaurant-quality look.

Variations for Honey BBQ Chicken

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.
• Use Chicken Thighs: Swap breasts for boneless, skinless thighs for extra juiciness.
• Try Different BBQ Sauces: Experiment with hickory, mesquite, or bourbon BBQ sauce flavors.
• Add Mustard: Mix in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for tangy depth.
• Make It Asian-Inspired: Add a splash of soy sauce and fresh ginger to the glaze.

How to Make One Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This simple step ensures the chicken is flavorful from the inside out.

2. Make the Honey BBQ Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, garlic powder, and paprika until smooth. Set aside. The honey will make the sauce slightly thicker and glossier.

3. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Cook without moving them for about 5 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Flip and cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes.

4. Add the Sauce

Pour the honey BBQ sauce over the chicken in the pan. Use a spoon or brush to coat each piece thoroughly. Make sure the sauce gets under and around the chicken too.

5. Finish in the Oven

Transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The sauce will bubble and caramelize beautifully.

6. Rest and Garnish

Remove the pan from the oven carefully. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This keeps all the juices inside. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken

This versatile chicken works with many side dishes and meals:

• With Rice: Serve over white rice, brown rice, or cilantro lime rice to soak up the extra sauce.
• With Vegetables: Pair with roasted broccoli, green beans, or a simple garden salad.
• In Sandwiches: Slice the chicken and pile it on toasted buns with coleslaw.
• With Potatoes: Serve alongside mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, or crispy roasted potatoes.
• As a Bowl: Create a chicken bowl with quinoa, sautéed peppers, and avocado.

Decoration Ideas: Arrange the chicken on a platter and drizzle any remaining pan sauce over the top. Scatter green onions and sesame seeds for color. Add lemon wedges on the side for a bright finishing touch.

Storing Honey BBQ Chicken

• Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep any extra sauce in a separate container.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to prevent drying. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Even Thickness: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook at the same rate.
• Don’t Skip Resting: Letting the chicken rest after cooking keeps it juicy and tender.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time without guessing.
• Watch the Sauce: Honey can burn quickly, so keep an eye on the chicken in the oven.
• Make Extra Sauce: Double the sauce recipe if you love extra glaze for drizzling.

Nutrition

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.