If you’re hunting for a weeknight wonder full of smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors, Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is about to become your new obsession. Imagine quick-seared chicken, sticky with honey-laced barbecue sauce, all mingling in a single pan with fluffy rice and bursts of tender vegetables. Everything simmers together for an ultra-comforting meal that’ll steal the show on your dinner table—and the leftovers are every bit as dreamy!

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This ingredient list keeps things delightfully simple, but every single component plays a key role in achieving that craveable sweet-and-smoky depth. Each item is chosen to build up the irresistible flavor, texture, and vibrant color of Honey BBQ Chicken Rice.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken keeps things lean and gets deliciously tender in this saucy one-pan dish.
Long-grain white rice: This rice cooks up beautifully fluffy, soaking up all the bold flavors of the BBQ sauce and spices.
Chicken broth: Using broth instead of water gives the rice an extra layer of savory richness that you’ll definitely notice.
Barbecue sauce: Pick your favorite variety—smoky, spicy, or classic—for a signature tang and a saucy, glossy finish.
Honey: Just a bit adds that perfect balance of sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce onto the chicken.
Olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics and giving the chicken a golden sear.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth, melting into the background as the rice cooks.
Garlic: Two cloves go a long way to make the whole skillet extra savory and aromatic.
Smoked paprika: That gentle smokiness is the secret to amplifying the BBQ character.
Salt and pepper: A pinch of each pulls all the flavors together for just the right seasoning.
Frozen peas (optional): Stir them in at the end for a pop of color and a little sweetness—kids love it!
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top for extra freshness and color before serving.

How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced onion and minced garlic, letting them cook together until they’re softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. This aromatic base builds that irresistible kitchen aroma that gets everyone hungry in seconds!

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Add your chicken pieces straight into the skillet. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and toss them well. Let the pieces cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned all over—expect about 5 to 7 minutes. These golden edges mean flavor, so don’t rush this step.

Step 3: Glaze with Honey and BBQ Sauce

Once the chicken is beautifully browned, pour in your barbecue sauce and honey. Stir everything together so the chicken is completely coated in that sticky, sweet, and tangy glaze. It’ll start to smell absolutely irresistible!

Step 4: Add Rice and Broth

Pour in your uncooked rice, stirring gently so every grain gets a little sauce. Then, add the chicken broth. Bring the skillet up to a gentle boil—this will start infusing the rice with layers of BBQ goodness right from the start.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Turn down the heat to low, cover the pan, and let everything simmer for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed. If you’re adding peas, stir them in for the last 5 minutes—they’ll steam to perfection!

Step 6: Fluff and Finish

Take the skillet off the heat and let it sit, still covered, for 5 minutes. This rest time ensures extra fluffy rice. Fluff it up with a fork, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you’d like, and dive in while it’s warm and saucy.

How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Garnishes

Top your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice with a flurry of fresh chopped parsley for color and brightness, or even a sprinkle of sliced green onions for a gentle bite. A squeeze of fresh lemon is lovely for a little zing, and if you’re feeling extra, a handful of shredded sharp cheddar is divine as it melts right into the hot rice.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also plays well with others. A crisp green salad, creamy coleslaw, or grilled corn on the cob adds extra contrast. If you want something cozy, a simple bowl of steamed broccoli or some roasted sweet potatoes complement the smoky-sweet flavors wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice piled high in a big family-style bowl with tongs for easy scooping, or spoon it into individual bowls for personal servings. For a fun, party-style twist, use the filling to stuff baked bell peppers or roll into wraps—kids and adults will love the hands-on approach!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Honey BBQ Chicken Rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or effortless dinners.

Freezing

This dish freezes like a champ! Scoop cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, label them with the date, and pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture when you’re ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

To reheat, just microwave individual servings with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist, or warm gently in a covered skillet on the stove. Leftovers come back to life beautifully, and you can even add a sprinkle of cheese for an extra treat.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes a bit longer to cook and may need a little extra broth to become perfectly tender. The nutty flavor of brown rice pairs really well with the honey BBQ notes.

Is there a good substitute for chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work equally well in Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, offering a slightly juicier and more flavorful result. You could also use rotisserie chicken—just reduce the cook time since it’s already cooked.

How spicy is this recipe?

As written, it’s mild and kid-friendly, but you can easily adjust the spice! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a splash of hot sauce, or use a spicy BBQ sauce if you’re craving more heat.

Can I make this dish ahead?

Definitely! The flavors in Honey BBQ Chicken Rice meld beautifully as it sits, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy nights or meal prep. Store it in the fridge and simply reheat before serving—it tastes just as delicious the next day.

How can I make it gluten-free?

Everything in the recipe is naturally gluten-free except for the BBQ sauce, which sometimes contains wheat as a thickener. Just choose a certified gluten-free barbecue sauce, and you’re all set for a worry-free meal!

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is such a beloved staple in my kitchen—it’s comforting, quick, and absolutely packed with bold, delicious flavors. If you’re craving something new for dinner, give this recipe a try and watch it become a regular request at your table!

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Experience the comforting flavors of sweet honey and tangy BBQ sauce in this easy one-pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe. Tender chicken, fragrant rice, and a hint of smokiness create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Rice:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth

BBQ Sauce Mixture:

1/2 cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons honey

Additional Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup frozen peas (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and garlic until softened.
Cook Chicken: Add chicken pieces, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is browned.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in barbecue sauce and honey. Add rice and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is cooked.
Finish: Stir in peas if using, let sit covered, then fluff with a fork. Garnish with parsley before serving.