Name: Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cups chicken broth; ½ cup BBQ sauce; ¼ cup honey; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen); 1-2 tbsp cooking oil (such as vegetable or olive oil)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 15 reviews

There is nothing quite like a warm, satisfying meal that combines sweet and smoky in perfect harmony, and the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe absolutely delivers on that front. This dish brings tender, juicy chicken coated in a luscious honey and BBQ sauce glaze together with fluffy, flavor-packed rice and vibrant vegetables. It’s a one-pan wonder that embodies comfort food at its finest while keeping things simple enough for any night of the week. If you’re craving a meal that’s both easy to make and bursting with irresistible flavors, this recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There is a white rectangular tray filled with six pieces of raw chicken with skin on, arranged closely but not overlapping, showing light pink flesh and pale yellow skin. The tray sits on a white marbled surface that appears smooth and clean. The background is soft and blurred with faint shadows, creating a simple and fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list, where every component plays a crucial role, from building flavor complexity to adding texture and color. These essentials come together to create a dish that’s both wholesome and unforgettable.

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for juiciness or breasts for a leaner option, both absorb the sauce beautifully.
1 cup long-grain rice: Provides a fluffy base that soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly.
2 cups chicken broth: Adds depth and richness to the rice that water simply can’t achieve.
½ cup BBQ sauce: Brings that signature smoky tang essential for the dish’s soul.
¼ cup honey: Balances the smoky BBQ with a natural sweetness that glazes the chicken wonderfully.
1 tsp garlic powder: Offers aromatic warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
1 tsp onion powder: Enhances savory notes, rounding out the seasoning perfectly.
½ tsp smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smokiness that elevates the BBQ taste.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken and rice layers.
1 cup mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen): Adds color, crunch, and nutrition to complete the dish.
1-2 tbsp cooking oil: For searing the chicken to a golden-brown perfection.

How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by generously seasoning your chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heating the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat, sear the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until it develops a gorgeous golden crust. This step not only locks in the juicy flavors but builds the foundation of taste you’re craving. After searing, set the chicken aside—it will finish cooking later alongside the rice.

Step 2: Toast the Rice

Using the same skillet, toast the uncooked rice for a minute or two until it starts to smell nutty. This little trick enhances the rice’s flavor, preventing it from being too plain and giving it a nice texture that complements the tender chicken.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Chicken

Next, stir in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey, mixing everything until well combined. Place the seared chicken back into the pan with the sauce mixture. Bring it all to a gentle boil; this helps the rice start absorbing the flavorful liquids while the chicken slowly cooks through.

Step 4: Simmer

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet. Let it cook quietly for about 15 minutes. During this time, the rice softens and soaks up all the wonderful sweet and smoky notes, while the chicken tenderizes to juicy perfection.

Step 5: Add Vegetables

Once the rice is almost tender, scatter your mixed vegetables on top, cover the skillet again, and cook for another 5 minutes. This step lets the veggies steam gently, keeping their bright colors and fresh taste intact. Make sure the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Turn off the heat and let the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This rest allows the rice to fully fluff up and the flavors to marry beautifully. Fluff the rice with a fork, mix gently if you like, and serve straight from the pan for that heartwarming home-cooked feel.

How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

The dish shows one layer of cooked rice mixed with small pieces of green peas, orange carrots, and yellow corn, forming the base. On top of the rice is a layer of grilled meat pieces with a shiny, dark brown glaze that looks sticky and caramelized, with some charred edges. The meat pieces are arranged closely together in a circular pattern. The whole dish is placed on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The lighting shows the glossiness of the meat and the texture of the rice clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten this meal by topping it with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, cilantro, or green onions. These fresh herbs add a vibrant pop of color and a pleasant herbal note that contrasts perfectly with the smoky BBQ glaze.

Side Dishes

While this dish stands robustly on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or a simple coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus also complement and round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken and rice in individual cast iron skillets or shallow bowls, allowing everyone to savor that fantastic honey BBQ sauce coating every bite. You could also offer lime wedges on the side for a slight zesty kick, which helps brighten the richness of the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it a convenient option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

If you want to save your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe for later, freezing it is a smart choice. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave them with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the rice and chicken heat through evenly without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well and provide a leaner option, but be careful not to overcook them since they can dry out faster than thighs.

What can I substitute for BBQ sauce?

If you don’t have BBQ sauce on hand, try a mix of ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and a dash of smoked paprika to mimic that smoky-sweet flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for hearty mushrooms or plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Is it okay to use frozen vegetables?

Definitely! Frozen mixed vegetables work great here because they save time and still deliver excellent taste and texture once steamed with the rice.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest and easiest way is to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer. The meat should be opaque and juicy, not pink.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe at home is such a joy because it combines simplicity with truly indulgent flavors. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for any night you want quick, crowd-pleasing food that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I cannot wait for you to make it your own and enjoy every delightful bite as much as I do!