If you’re craving a dinner that’s bursting with flavor yet simple to prepare, this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is exactly what you need. It brings together tender, juicy chicken infused with a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, all served atop fluffy, perfectly cooked rice that soaks up every delicious drop of sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend meal, this dish promises to become your new favorite for its remarkable simplicity and comforting taste.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe is picked to build layers of flavor and texture, while keeping the preparation straightforward. From spices that awaken the chicken to the vibrant mixed veggies, these essentials work together to create a meal that’s as colorful as it is tasty.

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option.
1 cup long-grain rice: Provides a fluffy and light base that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
2 cups chicken broth: Adds depth and richness, cooking the rice to tender perfection.
½ cup BBQ sauce: Your choice! Pick a favorite to influence the smoky or tangy notes.
¼ cup honey: Brings natural sweetness that balances the bold BBQ flavors.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory warmth without overpowering the dish.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the aroma and complexity of the chicken seasoning.
½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Contributes a subtle smoky edge that complements the BBQ sauce.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh): Provides color, nutrients, and wonderful texture contrast.
Chopped green onions or parsley: A fresh, herbal finish to brighten every bite.

How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by heating your skillet or pan over medium heat. While it warms up, season your chicken thighs or breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This combination instantly awakens the meat’s flavor. Then, add a touch of oil to the pan and sear the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until it’s gorgeously golden brown. Don’t rush this step—it locks in juices and creates a beautiful crust to carry the dish’s flavor forward. Once seared, set the chicken aside for the next stage.

Step 2: Toast the Rice

Using the same pan keeps all those tasty browned bits from the chicken, enhancing the overall flavor. Add the uncooked long-grain rice directly into the pan and toast it for a minute or two while stirring often. This step adds a subtle nutty aroma and keeps the rice from turning mushy later on.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Sauces

Pour in the chicken broth along with your chosen BBQ sauce and the honey. This mix starts to create that signature sweet, tangy glaze that defines the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. Stir everything together so the rice is evenly coated, making sure all those flavors are mingling beautifully.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the pan right on top of the rice mixture. Bring everything up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer peacefully for about 15 minutes, giving the rice time to absorb the flavorful liquids and the chicken enough time to finish cooking through.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Finish Cooking

After that initial simmer, sprinkle your cup of mixed vegetables across the top. Cover again, allowing the veggies to steam gently for an additional 5 minutes. This ensures they’re tender yet retain some vibrant color and bite. Once the rice is tender and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), remove the pan from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes—a critical step to soak up any remaining liquid and firm up the texture.

Step 6: Fluff and Garnish

Finally, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and evenly distribute the veggies and chicken. Top your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice with chopped green onions or parsley for a burst of freshness and a pretty visual finish. Now, it’s ready to serve and impress!

How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like chopped green onions or fresh parsley add a pop of color and an herbal brightness to the dish that balances its sweet and smoky notes. Feel free to add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness and crunch.

Side Dishes

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even a creamy coleslaw. The contrast of fresh, crunchy sides against the warm, saucy rice meal makes for a well-rounded, satisfying dinner experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice inside hollowed-out bell peppers or small cast iron skillets for individual portions. You can also top it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to add a cooling element that complements the tangy honey BBQ flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The Honey BBQ Chicken Rice will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for easy meal prep or next-day lunches.

Freezing

This dish freezes wonderfully. Portion the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to refresh the rice and prevent it from drying out. Stirring occasionally will help warm everything evenly and keep the chicken tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine if you prefer a leaner cut. Just be careful not to overcook them so they stay tender and juicy.

Is it okay to use frozen mixed vegetables?

Yes, frozen mixed vegetables are a convenient and nutritious choice. Simply add them as instructed—they’ll thaw and cook perfectly within the dish.

What type of BBQ sauce is best?

That depends on your flavor preference. A smoky barbecue sauce adds depth, while a sweeter or tangier sauce can highlight the honey’s natural sweetness. Experiment to find your favorite combo!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely, just ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free, and use gluten-free chicken broth if needed. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I add extra spice to the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?

Yes! Add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños during seasoning if you like a bit of heat. It complements the sweetness of the honey beautifully.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a dish that combines simplicity with such bold flavors, and Honey BBQ Chicken Rice does just that. It’s a perfect meal to share with family and friends, effortless enough for weeknights but special enough to be a go-to favorite. Give it a try and see how it becomes a delicious staple in your kitchen repertoire!

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 7 reviews

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

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Description

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken thighs with sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, cooked together with long-grain rice and mixed vegetables. It’s an easy one-pan meal that’s both comforting and flavorful, perfect for busy weeknights.

Instructions

Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat to prepare for searing the chicken.
Season the Chicken: Season the chicken thoroughly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Sear the Chicken: Add a drizzle of oil to the pan and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
Toast the Rice: In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to enhance the flavor.
Add Liquids and Flavor: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey until combined.
Return Chicken to Pan: Nestle the seared chicken into the rice mixture in the pan.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
Add Vegetables: After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice.
Continue Cooking: Cover 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: Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the rice to finish steaming.
Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot for a delicious meal.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for more tender, juicy meat; chicken breasts can be used but may be less moist.
Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce flavor for a personalized taste.
If using frozen mixed vegetables, thaw them before adding for even cooking.
Ensure chicken is cooked through by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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