Name: Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup BBQ sauce; 1/4 cup honey; 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional); Chopped green onions for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a crave-worthy yet incredibly simple dinner, Honey BBQ Chicken Rice hits all the right notes. Imagine juicy chicken glazed in a sticky-sweet, smoky sauce, nestled over tender, flavor-soaked rice with pops of colorful vegetables—all in one pan. This dish is pure comfort food magic, easy enough for busy weeknights yet delicious enough for guests. The layers of BBQ and honey combine effortlessly for a mouthwatering meal that you’ll want to make over and over.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is in its down-to-earth ingredient list. Every item here plays an important part, whether that’s building depth of flavor, adding color, or keeping things oh-so-satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need and why each choice matters:

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Extra juiciness and flavor make thighs the best cut for this saucy recipe.
Long-grain rice: Cooks up perfectly fluffy and soaks in all those bold BBQ flavors without getting mushy.
Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with extra richness while it simmers.
BBQ sauce: The star! Go for your favorite brand—smoky, tangy or spicy, it’s your choice.
Honey: Adds just the right touch of sweetness and balances the barbecue sauce beautifully.
Garlic powder: Lends earthy notes that round out the sauce and season the chicken perfectly.
Onion powder: Subtle savoriness that complements both the chicken and the rice.
Smoked paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness and gorgeous color to the whole dish.
Salt and pepper: Essential for pulling out all the best flavors in every bite.
Mixed vegetables (optional): Brightens the dish and packs in extra nutrition (peas, carrots, or bell peppers work great).
Chopped green onions: Sprinkle these on top for a final burst of freshness and crunch.

How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken thighs a generous sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Massage those seasonings in—you’ll get deeper flavor and that irresistible golden crust when you sear them.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat up your favorite large skillet (nonstick or cast iron work well) over medium heat. Add a light swirl of oil, then sear the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes per side—just until they turn beautifully bronzed. The high heat locks in those flavors and creates a tasty layer that holds up during simmering. Set the chicken aside once it’s done.

Step 3: Whip Up the Honey BBQ Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey. This is when you really tailor the sauce to your liking—feel free to add a dash more honey for extra sweetness or a little hot sauce if you want a kick. The mixture should taste bold and slightly sticky.

Step 4: Toast the Rice

Don’t skip this step! In the same skillet, sprinkle in the uncooked rice and let it toast for about a minute or two. This unlocks a slightly nutty aroma and primes your rice to soak in all those big flavors ahead.

Step 5: Simmer with Broth and Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and half of your honey BBQ sauce, stirring gently to combine everything. Nestle your seared chicken back into the skillet and then spoon the rest of the sauce on top, totally coating the chicken.

Step 6: Cook to Flavorful Perfection

Cover your pan and turn the heat down low. Let it all bubble gently for about 15 minutes. The rice will soak in the saucy broth, and the chicken absorbs a world of tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors as it finishes cooking through.

Step 7: Add Veggies and Finish Up

After those 15 minutes, scatter your mixed vegetables over the top. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes, just until the rice is tender, the chicken is juicy, and all the veggies are vibrant and cooked through. Turn off the heat and let everything sit (with the lid on) for 5 minutes—this makes the rice extra fluffy and helps the flavors settle in.

How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Garnishes

Finish Honey BBQ Chicken Rice with a generous shower of chopped green onions right before serving. For extra sparkle, you can add a few sesame seeds or even a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce for real saucy fans. Fresh cilantro or parsley also make cheery, fragrant toppings.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but if you want to round out your meal, try serving it with a crisp cucumber salad, some steamed broccoli, or a quick coleslaw. The fresh, cooling crunch from your sides balances the sweet and smoky notes of the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful spin, serve your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice in colorful bowls or even stuff it into hollowed bell peppers for a fun, edible serving vessel. If you’re feeding a crowd, let everyone customize their bowls with extra toppings like avocado, diced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey BBQ Chicken Rice keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Simply spoon any remaining rice and chicken into an airtight container and let it cool before sealing. The flavors actually get deeper and richer overnight!

Freezing

This dish is freezer-friendly, making it great for meal prep. Once cooled, divide portions into freezer-safe containers (or zip bags if space-saving is your thing). Label and freeze for up to 2 months—just be sure to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat Honey BBQ Chicken Rice gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen things up. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover your bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast is leaner and still works well, though thighs are preferred for their juiciness. Just keep a close eye while searing and simmering—breasts can dry out faster than thighs, so consider trimming a few minutes off the simmer time.

Is Honey BBQ Chicken Rice gluten-free?

It can be! Just double-check your BBQ sauce and chicken broth labels, since some brands sneak in gluten-containing ingredients. Opt for certified gluten-free versions and you’re all set.

What vegetables work best in this recipe?

A colorful mix of peas, carrots, and corn is classic, but you can use what you love. Bell peppers, chopped broccoli, or diced zucchini taste fantastic and add extra color and nutrition to your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice.

Can I make it in a rice cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a rice cooker! After searing and seasoning the chicken, add everything (including the rice, broth, and sauce) to your cooker and follow the usual rice cycle. Just toss in the veggies halfway through or at the end so they don’t get mushy.

How spicy is the dish?

It’s mild by default, so it’s kid- and family-friendly. Want more heat? Add some chili powder or your favorite hot sauce either to the sauce mixture or drizzled on top when serving.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in search of an easy dinner that’s both crowd-pleasing and comforting, Honey BBQ Chicken Rice will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen. Its combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, plus easy one-pan cleanup, is tough to beat. Give it a try—you’ll love every saucy, satisfying spoonful!

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 14 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-vegetarian

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Description

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe is a delicious and easy one-pan meal that combines tender chicken thighs, flavorful BBQ sauce, and sweet honey with aromatic spices, all cooked together with rice and vegetables for a satisfying dish.

Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
Cook the Rice: In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes. Add chicken broth and half the sauce. Stir to combine. Return the chicken to the pan, pour remaining sauce over the top.
Simmer: Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
Add Vegetables: Add mixed vegetables, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
Rest and Serve: Let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

Notes

You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots.
For extra heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American