Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

why make this recipe

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is an easy, one-pan meal that brings together sweet honey, tangy BBQ, tender chicken, and fluffy rice — all in under an hour. It’s weeknight-friendly, family-approved, and delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup.

introduction

A comforting skillet meal that combines seared chicken with rice cooked in a honey-BBQ infused broth. The sauce caramelizes slightly on the chicken while the rice absorbs the savory-sweet juices, creating a satisfying, saucy dish that’s great on its own or paired with a simple green salad.

how to make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Start by seasoning and searing the chicken to develop a golden crust. Toasting the rice in the same pan adds nutty depth, then simmering the rice in chicken broth mixed with BBQ sauce and honey gives the dish its signature flavor. Add vegetables toward the end so they stay bright and slightly crisp, and finish with fresh herbs for color.

Ingredients :

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
• Chopped green onions or parsley

Directions :

1. Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add a drizzle of oil to the pan and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey.
6. Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture.
7. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
8. After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice.
9. Cover again and continue cooking for 5 more minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
10. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice.
11. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot!

how to serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Serve hot straight from the skillet for a rustic presentation. Pair with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted corn. Add a wedge of lime for brightness or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce for more tang.

how to store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth, or microwave in short intervals until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

• Use thighs for juicier results; breasts work fine but watch cooking time to prevent drying.
• Toast the rice briefly to enhance flavor and keep grains separate.
• Adjust honey and BBQ ratio to taste — more honey for sweetness, more BBQ for tang/smoke.
• If rice isn’t fully tender at the end, add 1/4 cup extra broth, cover, and simmer a few more minutes.
• For extra texture, stir in toasted sesame seeds or chopped roasted peanuts before serving.

variation (if any)

• Swap long-grain rice for jasmine or basmati for a fragrant twist (adjust liquid if needed).
• Make it spicy by adding 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce.
• For a lighter version, use low-sodium broth and reduced-sugar BBQ sauce.
• Turn it into a bowl by serving over mashed cauliflower or mixed greens for a lower-carb option.

FAQ

Q: Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes — add shredded pre-cooked chicken to the rice after the broth has mostly absorbed and simmer until heated through (about 5 minutes).

Q: Can I make this in the oven?
A: Yes. After searing the chicken and toasting the rice briefly on the stovetop, transfer to a covered oven-safe dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25–30 minutes until rice and chicken are cooked.

Q: What kind of BBQ sauce is best?
A: Use your favorite bottle — smoky, sweet, or spicy. A thicker sauce lends more coating on the chicken while a thinner sauce blends more into the rice.

Conclusion

For an easy, flavorful weeknight meal that combines sweet and smoky notes with tender chicken and fluffy rice, this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a go-to. For another similar family-friendly bowl idea and inspiration, see this Honey BBQ Chicken Bowls recipe at Easy Family Recipes.