Honey BBQ Chicken One-Pan Dinner Easy Recipe Ready in 30 Minutes

Name: Honey BBQ Chicken One-Pan Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 medium bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced (about 10.5 oz); 1 medium red onion, sliced (about 5.3 oz); 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon); ½ cup honey BBQ sauce (120 ml); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional); Optional: 1 pound baby potatoes, halved

Posted on February 22, 2026

Kennedy Ward

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One Friday evening, I was juggling work calls, helping my kids with homework, and staring blankly into the fridge at 6pm. I wanted dinner that didn’t require a lot of brainpower or a pile of dirty dishes. So I threw together some chicken, veggies, and a few pantry staples with this honey BBQ sauce, all in one pan. Thirty minutes later, we were sitting down to a dinner that felt like it belonged in a cozy backyard barbecue spot—not my chaotic kitchen. This Honey BBQ Chicken One-Pan Dinner quickly became my lifesaver for busy nights when I want big flavor without the fuss.

After testing this recipe 10+ times (and yes, burning the sauce once or twice), I finally nailed the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky that clings to tender chicken and roasted veggies. The best part? Cleanup takes about two minutes. If you love quick weeknight meals that don’t sacrifice taste, this is the one to keep in your back pocket. And if you’re into one-pan dinners, you might also enjoy my savory chicken sausage and broccoli orzo or the crockpot kielbasa and green beans recipe for more fuss-free dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Honey BBQ Chicken One-Pan Dinner

This recipe has totally changed how I approach weeknight dinners. Here’s why it’s become a staple in my kitchen:

One-Pan Wonder — No need to dirty multiple pots and pans. Everything cooks together, saving time on prep and cleanup. I’ve made this after a long day and still had energy to play with my kids instead of scrubbing dishes.
Ready in 30 Minutes — From chopping to plating, this meal clocks in under half an hour. Perfect for those nights when you walk in the door starving and short on time.
Sweet and Smoky Flavor — The honey BBQ sauce hits that perfect sweet-savory note without being too sticky or overpowering. I accidentally doubled the honey once, and honestly, I liked it even better.
Flexible and Filling — You can swap veggies based on what’s in your fridge, and the chicken stays juicy and tender every time. Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.
Family-Friendly — My picky eaters actually ask for seconds, and the sauce isn’t too spicy or weird. Bonus: it pairs well with simple sides like rice or crusty bread.

This honey BBQ chicken one-pan dinner is my go-to when I want dinner to feel homemade but without the hassle. It’s reliable, comforting, and just downright delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the cool part: most of these ingredients are pantry and fridge basics. I’m picky about a few, and I’ll explain why so you get the best results.

Chicken thighs (1.5 pounds / 680g, boneless & skinless) — Juicy, forgiving, and flavorful. I prefer thighs because they stay tender and don’t dry out like breasts. If you want to go leaner, breasts work but watch cooking time.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons / 30ml) — Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for that subtle fruity flavor that complements the BBQ sauce.
Bell peppers (2 medium, sliced / about 300g) — Red and yellow add sweetness and color. You can swap for green or orange if that’s what you have.
Red onion (1 medium, sliced / 150g) — Adds a mild sharpness that balances the sweet honey. If you dislike onion, shallots work too.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced / about 1 tablespoon) — Fresh is best here. It gives that punch that makes the sauce sing.
Honey BBQ sauce (½ cup / 120ml) — Store-bought or homemade, just make sure it’s good quality with a nice balance of honey sweetness and smoky BBQ flavor. I like Sweet Baby Ray’s but homemade is even better if you have time.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon) — This adds subtle smokiness and depth. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika plus a dash of cumin works.
Salt and black pepper (to taste) — Don’t be shy here. Seasoning is key for the chicken and veggies.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped) — Optional but adds a fresh, herbal pop at the end.
Optional: baby potatoes (1 pound / 450g, halved) — If you want a heartier meal, toss them in with the chicken and veggies. They roast beautifully in the same pan.

If you want a bit of variety, adding mushrooms or zucchini works great too. If you’re curious about other one-pan comfort meals, I’ve had great success with garlic parmesan chicken with baby potatoes. It’s a slow cooker twist but delivers on flavor and ease.

Equipment Needed

You really don’t need much for this Honey BBQ Chicken One-Pan Dinner. Here’s what I use:

Large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan — I love cast iron for even heat and easy transfer from stovetop to oven. If you don’t have a cast iron, any heavy-bottomed ovenproof skillet works.
Sharp knife — For slicing veggies and trimming chicken. Dull knives just make chopping frustrating.
Cutting board — Plastic or wood, whatever you prefer.
Measuring spoons and cups — Accuracy helps with seasoning balance.
Spatula or tongs — For turning chicken and stirring.

Pro tip: If your pan isn’t oven-safe, you can finish the chicken under the broiler on a baking sheet, but I find the skillet method locks in juiciness better.

How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken One-Pan Dinner: Step-by-Step

Alright, here’s the exact process I follow to get this dinner on the table fast and delicious. I include all the little tricks to help you avoid my early mess-ups.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients (10 minutes)

Slice the bell peppers and red onion into strips, mince the garlic, and pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season the chicken generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Prepping everything first makes cooking smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken (5 minutes)

Heat olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add the chicken thighs and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Don’t crowd the pan; if needed, sear in batches. This step locks in juices and builds flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies and Garlic (3 minutes)

Remove the chicken and set aside briefly. In the same pan, add the sliced bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until veggies start to soften but still have a bit of bite.

Step 4: Add the Honey BBQ Sauce (2 minutes)

Pour the honey BBQ sauce over the veggies. Stir to coat everything evenly. Let it warm through for about 1 minute to meld flavors.

Step 5: Combine and Bake (12-15 minutes)

Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pan on top of the saucy veggies. If you’re using baby potatoes, tuck them around the chicken now. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and potatoes are tender.

Step 6: Finish and Serve (2 minutes)

Remove from the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top, and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Serve straight from the pan with your favorite sides or a simple green salad.

Timing tip: The whole process takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, with only about 10 minutes active hands-on time.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Don’t skip searing the chicken — I learned this the hard way. Searing creates that beautiful caramelized crust and seals in moisture.
Use fresh garlic — It makes a huge difference in the depth of flavor. Jarred garlic just can’t compete here.
Adjust sweetness — Feel free to add more honey if you like your BBQ sauce sweeter, or a splash of apple cider vinegar if you want tang.
Oven temperature matters — Don’t crank it too high or your sauce can burn. 400°F is just right for roasting chicken and veggies evenly.
Swap veggies seasonally — Summer? Try zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Fall? Use sweet potatoes instead of baby potatoes.
Leftover magic — This dinner reheats so well, especially if you add a tiny splash of water or broth before warming to keep the sauce saucy.

Variations & Substitutions

Once you have the basic Honey BBQ Chicken One-Pan Dinner down, here are some ways to switch things up:

Chicken breasts instead of thighs — Just reduce bake time to avoid drying out.
Add smoky spice — Toss in a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder for a kick.
Vegetarian version — Swap chicken for thick slices of grilled tofu or hearty portobello mushrooms and use vegetable broth in the sauce.
Extra veggies — Toss in zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus during the last 10 minutes of baking for more color and nutrition.
Make it a sheet pan meal — Spread everything on a rimmed baking sheet for even easier cleanup.

If you want to explore other easy weeknight chicken recipes with big flavor, my easy crockpot chicken and stuffing is another cozy option that’s great for meal prep.

Serving & Storage

Serving Suggestions:

I love serving this dish with fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that honey BBQ sauce.
A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
For a more rustic meal, crusty bread and roasted green beans are fantastic sides.
When guests come over, I like to set out extra BBQ sauce, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar for topping.

Storage Tips:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to bring back the sauciness.
Microwaving works too, but do it in short bursts and stir to avoid drying out.
Freezing isn’t ideal because the sauce changes texture after thawing, so I recommend enjoying leftovers fresh or refrigerated.

Nutrition Information

I’m not a nutritionist, but here’s a rough idea based on 4 servings:

Calories	420
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	12g
Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	3g
Sodium	600mg

This meal packs a good dose of protein from the chicken and has moderate carbs and fat. The honey adds natural sweetness, and you can boost fiber by adding more veggies or swapping in sweet potatoes. I usually don’t stress about calories here—it’s comfort food that’s homemade and wholesome.

Final Thoughts

So that’s my Honey BBQ Chicken One-Pan Dinner recipe that’s ready in 30 minutes and feels like a treat without the stress. I’ve made this dinner when I’ve been wiped out after work and when I wanted something to impress without overcomplicating things. It’s saved me more than once when I was craving BBQ but didn’t want to heat up the grill or mess with marinades overnight.

Make it your own by swapping veggies, tweaking the sauce, or adding your favorite sides. The best dinners are the ones you can customize and still count on to turn out great. If you try this recipe, drop a comment—I’d love to hear how it went in your kitchen. And if you’re looking for more easy chicken dinners, my easy crockpot ranch chicken sandwiches are a total crowd-pleaser too.

Happy cooking! I hope your kitchen smells as amazing as mine does right now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?

A: Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine but tend to dry out faster, so reduce the baking time to about 10 minutes and watch closely. You can also pound them to even thickness for more even cooking.

Q: What if I don’t have honey BBQ sauce on hand?

A: You can mix regular BBQ sauce with a tablespoon or two of honey for sweetness. Alternatively, mix ketchup, honey, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika for a quick homemade sauce. Just taste and adjust as you go.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

A: You can prep the chicken and veggies the day before and store them in the fridge. When ready to cook, assemble everything and bake. The sauce can be made ahead too, but for best texture, cook chicken fresh.

Q: How do I prevent the BBQ sauce from burning in the oven?

A: Keep the oven temperature at 400°F (200°C) and don’t bake longer than 15 minutes. If you notice the sauce thickening too much, loosely cover the pan with foil halfway through baking.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

A: Yes! Mushrooms, zucchini, or asparagus work great. Add denser veggies like carrots or sweet potatoes earlier in the baking time so they get tender.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: Most honey BBQ sauces are gluten-free, but always check the label to be sure. All other ingredients here are naturally gluten-free.

Q: What’s a good side to serve with honey BBQ chicken?

A: I love serving this with fluffy rice, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. For something different, roasted green beans or simple garlic bread are perfect companions.

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