If you’re looking for a quick, family‑friendly dinner that tastes like takeout but comes together in under 30 minutes, this best honey BBQ chicken rice is exactly what you need. Tender pieces of chicken are seasoned, pan‑seared, and then coated in a sticky sweet‑smoky honey BBQ sauce before being served over fluffy rice. The whole dish feels rich and satisfying, but it’s actually quite simple to make and uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Why This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Works
This recipe works so well because it combines three things everyone loves: chicken, rice, and BBQ sauce. By adding honey to the sauce you get a sticky, glossy glaze that clings to the chicken and soaks into the rice. The smoky paprika and garlic powder give it that classic barbecue flavor without needing a grill. Because everything can be made in one skillet (or on the stovetop in two pans), cleanup is minimal and the meal comes together fast.
You can also easily adapt it to your tastes. Use chicken breasts or thighs, add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers, or swap the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice if you want a lighter option. It’s a great recipe for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a cozy weekend dinner.
Ingredients for Best Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
This recipe serves about 4.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 1 pound chicken thighs), cut into bite‑sized pieces
- 1 cup long‑grain white rice (basmati or jasmine work well)
- 2 cups low‑sodium chicken broth (or water)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- ¼–½ cup honey (start with ¼ and add more if you like it sweeter)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ cup frozen peas, diced bell peppers, or carrots
Step‑By‑Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Do not lift the lid while it cooks. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
While the rice cooks, season the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Honey BBQ Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed. You can add a little extra honey if you like it sweeter or a splash of hot sauce if you want some heat.
Step 4: Glaze the Chicken
Return the chicken to the skillet over medium heat. Pour the honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and stir to coat. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. If you’re using vegetables like peas or bell peppers, add them now and cook for another 2–3 minutes until they’re tender.
Step 5: Serve
Spoon the fluffy rice onto plates or into bowls. Top with the honey BBQ chicken and any vegetables. Drizzle any extra sauce from the pan over everything. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if you like.
Variations to Try
- One‑Pan Version: Cook the rice in the same skillet as the chicken by toasting the rice in the pan first, then adding broth and letting it simmer covered. This reduces cleanup even more.
- Vegetable‑Packed: Add peas, carrots, corn, or bell peppers to the skillet with the chicken for extra color and nutrition.
- Spicy Honey BBQ: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey BBQ sauce for a little kick.
- Lighter Option: Use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. The rice may absorb more sauce as it sits, so you can add a splash of water or broth when reheating if needed.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
This honey BBQ chicken rice is very versatile. Here are some ideas to get you started.
- With a simple green salad or coleslaw on the side.
- Alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
- With a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if you like a creamy contrast.
- As a base for a grain bowl with extra veggies and a fried egg on top.
Final Thoughts
This best honey BBQ chicken rice is the kind of recipe that feels special but is actually very simple to make. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and sticky sweet‑smoky sauce creates a meal that’s satisfying and comforting without being complicated. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s going to become a regular in your weeknight rotation.
