introduction
Since I was very young, cooking has always held a special place in my life. My name is Adam, and it was alongside my mother that I discovered the magic of flavors and homemade dishes. Honey BBQ Chicken Rice brings that same comfort home. This one-pan meal blends sticky-sweet honey, tangy BBQ, tender chicken, and fluffy rice.
Many people search for Honey BBQ Chicken Rice because they want a fast, family-friendly dinner that still tastes special. In this article you will learn what goes into this dish, how to cook it step by step, and how to tweak it for your family. If you like skillet-style meals, try this version or compare it to a similar skillet BBQ chicken for more ideas.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A fast and flavorful one-pan meal featuring sticky-sweet honey, tangy BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and fluffy rice.
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
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat.
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- 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.
- In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey.
- Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice.
- 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).
- Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot!
Notes
For best results, keep the lid on during simmer. If your pan runs dry, add a few tablespoons of warm broth rather than water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
why make this recipe
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice answers common weeknight problems. It tastes bold without fuss. The honey and BBQ sauce create a glaze that keeps chicken moist. Rice cooks in the same pan, so you save time and dishes. The ingredients are easy to find. This recipe suits picky eaters and busy cooks. You can swap chicken thighs for breasts or use different BBQ sauces. You can make a large batch for leftovers or scale it down for two people. People choose Honey BBQ Chicken Rice when they want comfort food, speed, or a meal kids will eat. If you want other crowd-pleasing chicken ideas, this method pairs well with recipes like Greek chicken flatbread for a varied weekly menu.
how to make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Start by seasoning and searing the chicken to lock in flavor. Sear over medium heat until you get a golden crust. That color adds depth to the final dish. Next, toast the uncooked rice in the same pan. Toasting adds a nutty note and helps keep the rice separate.
Once the rice is toasted, add the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Stir to combine and return the seared chicken to the pan. Nestle the pieces into the rice so they cook evenly. Bring the pan to a gentle boil, then reduce to low and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes to let the rice absorb the liquid and the chicken finish cooking.
After the initial simmer, add mixed vegetables over the rice and cover again. Continue cooking until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the pan sit off heat for five minutes before fluffing the rice. This rest time lets steam finish the cooking and keeps the chicken juicy.
Key techniques: sear the chicken quickly over medium heat to avoid overcooking; toast the rice for one to two minutes but watch it closely; keep the heat low during simmer to prevent burning. Common mistakes include skipping the sear, which reduces flavor, and boiling too hard during the rice stage, which can make the rice mushy. With practice, you will get perfect textures and a balanced glaze in your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice.
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
Each ingredient plays a specific role. Chicken provides protein and texture. Long-grain rice stays fluffy and absorbs the sauce. Chicken broth gives savory depth. BBQ sauce and honey form the glaze and add sweet and smoky notes. Garlic, onion powder, and smoked paprika build aroma and warmth. Mixed vegetables add color and nutrition.
Swaps: use brown rice for nuttier flavor (cook time will change). Substitute low-sodium broth to control salt. If you prefer less sweetness, cut honey to 2 tablespoons and choose a tangier BBQ sauce. For a gluten-free dish, check your BBQ sauce label. Choose quality BBQ sauce for the best flavor; homemade or bottle works fine.
Directions
Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat.
Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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.
In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey.
Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice.
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).
Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice.
Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot!
For best results, keep the lid on during simmer. Resist the urge to lift it often. Use a timer so you do not overcook the rice. If your pan runs dry, add a few tablespoons of warm broth rather than water. These small choices keep your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice moist and flavorful.
how to serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Serve this dish straight from the pan for a cozy family meal. The honey and BBQ sauce create a glossy finish that pairs well with crisp sides. Offer a simple green salad or steamed broccoli to balance the sweetness. For extra texture, add a side of roasted carrots or a citrusy slaw. Leftover rice reheats well and makes a great lunch.
If you want to stretch the meal, shred the cooked chicken and use it in tacos, wraps, or over salad. For a playful dinner, serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice with warm tortillas and build-your-own bowls. For inspiration on finger-food sides that complement this meal, you can pair it with baked taquitos or similar snacks like baked cream cheese chicken taquitos for parties.
Texture and flavor balance: aim for tender, moist chicken and separate rice grains. The sauce should be glossy, not watery. The vegetables add brightness. Together they create a satisfying balance of sweet, smoky, and savory.
how to store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Cool the dish to room temperature within two hours. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to restore moisture. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
When reheating frozen portions, heat gently to avoid drying the chicken. Use a covered pan with a tablespoon of broth and warm slowly. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving. Discard any leftovers kept longer than four days for safety.
tips to make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Choose boneless thighs for more forgiving cooking and juicier results. Trim excess fat to avoid flare-ups during searing. Use medium heat to get good color without burning the sauce. Measure your rice and liquid precisely the first few times. If you use a different rice type, adjust liquid and cooking time accordingly. Stir the rice only when you add the liquid and when you finish; excessive stirring can make the rice gluey. Taste as you go and adjust salt or honey to achieve the balance you prefer. Allowing the pan to rest covered after cooking improves texture and lets the flavors meld.
variation (if any)
- Spicy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice: Add 1 teaspoon chili powder and 1-2 tablespoons sriracha to the sauce for heat.
- Citrus Honey BBQ Chicken Rice: Replace half the honey with orange marmalade and add a squeeze of fresh lemon after cooking.
- Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice: Stir in ¼ cup cream cheese or sour cream at the end for a silky finish.
- Veggie-Packed Version: Double the mixed vegetables and add bell peppers and corn for extra color and fiber.
- Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce and reduce honey to 1 tablespoon; add a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang.
Each variation keeps the core idea of Honey BBQ Chicken Rice intact while letting you tailor flavor, heat, and nutrition.
FAQs
Can I make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice with chicken breasts?
Yes. Use chicken breasts but watch cooking time. Slice thicker breasts in half for even cooking and check the internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
Can I use brown rice instead of long-grain rice?
You can, but brown rice needs more liquid and longer cooking time. Increase broth to 2 1/2 cups and simmer until tender, about 35–40 minutes.
Is Honey BBQ Chicken Rice freezer friendly?
Yes. Cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Conclusion
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice makes a fast, flavorful meal for weeknights and casual gatherings. If you want a similar bowl-style option, check this Honey BBQ Chicken Bowls recipe for a bowl variation. For a store-bought option that plays on the same flavors, see the BEN’S ORIGINAL™ Honey BBQ Bean & Rice product for a quick pantry meal. For another homemade take, explore the detailed Honey BBQ Chicken Rice guide to compare techniques and tips.