Name: Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 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 tbsp soy sauce; 1 clove minced garlic; 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional); Chopped green onions for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels both comforting and exciting, let me introduce you to the incredible Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. This dish effortlessly combines tender, flavorful chicken thighs with the sweet and smoky magic of honey-infused BBQ sauce, all nestled atop perfectly cooked, fluffy rice. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser, hitting all the right notes of juicy, savory, tangy, and just a touch of sweetness. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends with a flavorful homemade meal, Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is your new go-to recipe that promises satisfaction in every single bite.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Honey BBQ Chicken Rice lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and adding texture and color that make the dish both delicious and visually appealing. Let’s take a look at what makes this dish sing.

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Perfectly juicy and tender, these thighs soak up the BBQ flavors beautifully.
1 cup long-grain rice: Long-grain rice keeps its fluffy texture and won’t get mushy during cooking.
2 cups chicken broth: The savory broth adds depth and richness to the rice as it simmers.
1/2 cup BBQ sauce: Adds that signature smoky, tangy flavor that defines the dish.
1/4 cup honey: Balances the BBQ sauce with a natural sweetness that glazes the chicken spectacularly.
1 tsp garlic powder: A subtle punch of garlic that elevates the overall taste.
1 tsp onion powder: Adds aromatic depth without overpowering the other flavors.
1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky notes, making the dish irresistible.
Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
1 cup mixed vegetables (optional): Adds pops of color, texture, and nutrition.
Chopped green onions for garnish: A fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the final presentation.

How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken thighs generously with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This spice blend is the foundation of flavor that will soak into the chicken for every bite. Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until it develops a beautiful golden brown crust. Then, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest while you prepare the next steps.

Step 2: Mix the Honey BBQ Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the BBQ sauce and honey, stirring until they meld into a luscious, sticky glaze. This sauce is what gives the dish its signature sweet-smoky character that will coat the chicken and infuse the rice.

Step 3: Toast and Simmer the Rice

Using the same pan to keep those flavorful browned bits, toast the uncooked rice for 1 to 2 minutes. This step enhances the rice’s texture and adds a lightly nutty flavor. Pour in the chicken broth along with half of the BBQ honey sauce, then stir gently to combine everything evenly.

Step 4: Return Chicken and Simmer

Place the seared chicken thighs back into the pan, arranging them over the rice. Drizzle the remaining sauce over the top, cover the pan, and reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer together for 15 minutes so the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors and the chicken cooks through thoroughly.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Finish Cooking

If you’re using mixed vegetables, stir them in now. Cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the rice is tender and the vegetables are heated through. Let the dish rest off the heat for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.

How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions adds the perfect fresh, crisp bite and vibrant green color to the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. This small touch makes the dish feel even more inviting and polished. Feel free to add a handful of toasted sesame seeds or a squeeze of lime for an extra zing!

Side Dishes

While this dish is satisfying on its own, pairing Honey BBQ Chicken Rice with light sides like a simple leafy green salad, roasted corn, or steamed broccoli complements the sweet and smoky flavors without overwhelming your palate. These sides also add freshness and balance, creating a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make dinner feel a bit more special? Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice in a colorful bowl topped with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. For parties, consider assembling it in small mason jars or cute bento boxes for an eye-catching presentation that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers can be even more delicious.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist. Cover while reheating to trap steam and warm everything evenly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs stay juicier, chicken breasts work fine. Just be mindful not to overcook them to keep the meat tender.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Swap the chicken with tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a tasty plant-based version.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Definitely. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the seasoning for an extra kick that pairs beautifully with the sweet BBQ notes.

What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?

Choose a smoky BBQ sauce that you enjoy, such as mesquite or hickory, to really enhance the depth of flavor in the dish.

Is it okay to add other vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms to add more texture and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple enough for weeknight dinners yet packed with flavors that impress. I can’t recommend it enough if you want a hearty, comforting meal that your family and friends will ask for again and again. So don’t wait, grab your skillet and make this dish your next kitchen adventure—you’ll be so glad you did!

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 21 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious one-pan American dinner featuring tender boneless chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful honey BBQ sauce with aromatic spices, served over perfectly cooked long-grain rice and mixed vegetables. This dish combines the sweet and smoky notes of honey and BBQ sauce for a comforting, easy-to-make meal ideal for weeknights.

Instructions

Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed on all sides of the chicken.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil if needed. Sear the seasoned chicken thighs for 3–4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic until smooth and well combined. This will provide a sweet and smoky flavor base for the dish.
Toast the Rice: In the same skillet, add the uncooked long-grain rice and toast it for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, which enhances the rice’s nutty flavor.
Add Broth and Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and half of the prepared sauce mixture. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the rice.
Return Chicken to Pan: Place the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, nestling them into the rice. Pour the remaining BBQ honey sauce over the top of the chicken and rice.
Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and the chicken to cook through gently.
Add Vegetables: Stir in the mixed vegetables if desired. Cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Rest and Garnish: Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot.

Notes

Use long-grain rice for the best texture and fluffiness in the final dish.
Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey according to your taste preference.
For an extra smoky flavor, opt for mesquite or hickory flavored BBQ sauces.
This recipe can be made vegetarian by substituting chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One-Pan
Cuisine: American