If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug wrapped in amazing flavors, look no further than this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. It combines tender, juicy chicken with a luscious blend of honey-sweetened BBQ sauce and perfectly cooked rice, making every bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner or something comforting to share with family, Honey BBQ Chicken Rice offers a harmonious mix of sweet, smoky, and savory notes that will quickly find a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing an essential role in building the wonderful flavor and texture of Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. From the tender chicken thighs to the honey and BBQ sauce combo, everything is carefully chosen to create a dish that is as satisfying as it is simple.

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for leaner meat, both work beautifully.
1 cup long-grain rice: This gives the perfect light and fluffy base for soaking up all those incredible flavors.
2 cups chicken broth: Adds depth and savory richness, ensuring the rice cooks perfectly.
½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice): The star seasoning that brings smoky, tangy, and sweet notes to the dish.
¼ cup honey: For that luscious sweetness that balances the BBQ sauce magnificently.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds an inviting aromatic depth to the chicken and rice.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Provides a subtle sharpness that complements the honey and BBQ flavors.
½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a smoky undertone that enhances the BBQ taste.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the components together.
1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh): Adds color, nutrition, and a fresh burst of flavor and texture.
Chopped green onions or parsley: Perfect for a fresh, herbaceous finish and a pop of brightness on top.

How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by heating a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Season your chicken generously with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This spice blend is the foundation of flavor for your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. Once seasoned, add a touch of oil to the pan and sear the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until it forms a gorgeous golden crust. Then, remove the chicken and set it aside – you’ll come back to it soon.

Step 2: Toast the Rice

In the same pan, toss in the uncooked long-grain rice. Toast it gently for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring frequently. This simple step awakens the nuttiness in the rice and adds an extra layer of flavor to your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice.

Step 3: Add the Liquids and Return Chicken

Pour in the chicken broth followed by the BBQ sauce and honey. Stir everything together to meld those sweet and smoky tones. Nestle the seared chicken right back in the pan among the rice, letting it soak in all the rich flavors during cooking.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce your heat to low. Cover the pan tightly and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This slow cooking steams the rice to fluffy perfection and ensures the chicken absorbs the delicious sauce.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Finish Cooking

After the initial cooking time, scatter your mixed vegetables over the rice. Cover again and continue simmering for another 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It’s the perfect balance between tender meat and vibrant veggies.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together further. Finally, fluff the rice gently, and sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley over the top for a fresh finish that brightens the entire dish.

How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Garnishes

A handful of chopped green onions or fresh parsley adds a delightful pop of color and subtle herbal brightness that cuts through the sweetness of the honey and BBQ sauce. Feel free to sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce if you want to amp up the flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice shines gloriously as a one-pan meal, but if you want to round out your dinner, try pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted sweet potatoes. These sides keep the meal balanced, complementing the sweet and smoky depth without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice inside halved bell peppers or in a bowl topped with avocado slices and a dollop of sour cream. You could also turn it into a filling for burrito bowls or wraps, offering a fresh way to enjoy the same fantastic flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey BBQ Chicken Rice stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rice soaks up even more of those lovely flavors overnight, making your next meal just as enjoyable.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture for both the rice and chicken.

Reheating

To reheat, use a microwave or stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist, and heat gently until warmed through. This keeps your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice from drying out and retains its comforting, saucy goodness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat, though thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful during cooking. Either choice will produce delicious Honey BBQ Chicken Rice.

What type of BBQ sauce is best?

Use your favorite BBQ sauce, whether smoky, sweet, or spicy. The sauce you choose will shape the overall flavor of the dish, so pick one you love to personalize your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

While the recipe centers on chicken, you could swap in firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian twist. Just keep the honey and BBQ sauce combo to maintain that signature flavor.

Is it possible to use brown rice?

You can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind it will require longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust accordingly to ensure the rice is fully cooked and tender in your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or stir in some hot sauce along with the BBQ sauce and honey. This gives your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice an exciting spicy kick.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend enough giving this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice a try. It’s one of those soul-satisfying dishes that feels special without needing any fuss. With tender chicken, perfectly spiced rice, and that magical honey-BBQ combo, it’s bound to become a fast favorite for you and anyone lucky enough to share the meal. So grab your ingredients, dive in, and enjoy every bite of this delicious, comforting creation!

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 17 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful one-pan dish combining tender, seasoned chicken with sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, cooked together with fluffy rice and mixed vegetables for a convenient, hearty meal perfect for any dinner.

Instructions

Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken and rice.
Season the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs or breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Sear the Chicken: Add a tablespoon of oil to the hot pan, then sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
Toast the Rice: Add the uncooked rice to the same pan and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and enhance flavor.
Add Liquids and Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey until well combined with the rice.
Return Chicken to Pan: Place the seared chicken pieces back into the pan, nestling them into the rice mixture evenly.
Simmer Covered: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Add Vegetables: After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables evenly over the rice without stirring.
Finish Cooking: Cover the pan again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Rest the Dish: Remove the pan from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and rice to fully absorb liquid.
Garnish and Serve: Fluff the rice gently with a fork, garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot immediately.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results, or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
Adjust BBQ sauce and honey quantities to suit your preferred sweetness or tanginess.
Feel free to substitute mixed vegetables with your favorites such as bell peppers, corn, or peas.
Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free BBQ sauce and broth.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop, Searing, Simmering
Cuisine: American