introduction
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a simple, one-pan meal. It mixes tender chicken, sticky honey and BBQ sauce, and soft rice into a tasty dish. It cooks fast and uses few tools. If you like simple chicken bowls, you might also check Brazilian coconut chicken for another easy idea.
why make this recipe
Make this when you want a warm, filling dinner with little fuss. It uses common pantry items and one pan. The honey and BBQ sauce give sweet and smoky flavors that most people enjoy. It is great for busy weeknights and for feeding a family. If you need a quick swap for wraps or bowls, this is faster than many recipes like a buffalo chicken wrap.
how to make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Follow these simple steps and you will have a full meal in about 30 minutes.
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 :
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!
how to serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Serve this hot from the pan. Scoop rice and chicken onto plates or into bowls. Add extra BBQ sauce if you like it saucier. A simple side salad or steamed greens goes well. Top with more chopped green onions or a squeeze of lime for brightness.
how to store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Cool the dish to room temperature within two hours. Put into airtight containers. Refrigerate up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the rice, or warm in the microwave until hot.
tips to make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Use chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness.
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to get a good sear.
- Toast the rice briefly for better texture.
- If rice is still firm after cooking, add 1/4 cup more broth and cook a few minutes longer.
- For easy meal swaps, try similar quick dishes like cheesy chicken garlic wraps.
- Check the chicken temperature with a probe to ensure 165°F/74°C.
variation (if any)
- Make it spicy: add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the BBQ sauce.
- Use brown rice: increase simmer time and add more broth (about 10–15 minutes more).
- Veggie boost: add bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms with the mixed vegetables.
- Make it saucier: add extra BBQ sauce or a tablespoon of butter to the pan at the end.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes. Use breasts if you prefer. Watch cooking time so they do not dry out.
Q: Can I use instant rice or pre-cooked rice?
A: Not for this one-pan method. If you use pre-cooked rice, cook the chicken and sauce separately, then stir in the rice at the end to warm.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes. Cool and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Q: Is this recipe good for meal prep?
A: Yes. It stores well and reheats easily for lunches or dinners.
Conclusion
For more honey BBQ ideas, see this Honey BBQ Chicken Bowls recipe that pairs similar flavors in a bowl. If you want another written guide for this dish, check Honey BBQ Chicken Rice – Gourmet Martha. For a ready-made rice product with honey BBQ flavor, look at BEN’S ORIGINAL™ Street Food Honey BBQ Bean & Rice.
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts Chicken thighs provide more flavor and juiciness.
- 1 cup long-grain rice Toasted for better texture.
- 2 cups chicken broth Add more if needed for cooking.
- ½ cup BBQ sauce Your choice of BBQ sauce.
- ¼ cup honey For sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder For seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder For seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika For smoky flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste For seasoning.
- 1 cup mixed vegetables Can use frozen or fresh.
- As needed Chopped green onions or parsley For garnish.
Method
- 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!
