INTRODUCTION

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a simple and delicious meal that brings comfort and flavor to any table. This dish combines tender chicken with a rich honey barbecue sauce served over fluffy rice. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends. With everyday ingredients and easy steps, you can make this tasty recipe without any fuss.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons to fall in love with Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. First, it is incredibly delicious. The sweet and tangy sauce makes the chicken stand out, and it pairs perfectly with the rice. Second, this dish is versatile. You can add mixed vegetables for extra nutrition or serve it with your favorite sides. Third, it is easy to make. Even if you are a beginner in the kitchen, you can follow simple steps to create a satisfying meal. Finally, it’s a one-pan dish, which means less cleanup time—all you need is a skillet!

HOW TO MAKE Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Making Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is straightforward and requires just a few steps. Below, you will find all you need to know to create this amazing meal.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Before starting, gather the following equipment:

A large skillet
A mixing bowl
A wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
A knife
A cutting board

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup mixed vegetables (optional)
Chopped green onions for garnish

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure to cover all sides to ensure flavor.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until it turns golden brown. After searing, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, and minced garlic. This mixture will add sweetness and a nice depth of flavor to the chicken.
In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the rice.
Add chicken broth to the pan and pour in half of the BBQ sauce mixture. Stir everything to combine well.
Return the seared chicken to the pan and pour the remaining sauce over the top of the chicken.
Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. This will allow the rice to cook thoroughly and absorb the flavors.
After 15 minutes, add mixed vegetables if you choose to use them. Cover and cook for 5 more minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Once done, let the dish sit for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to set nicely. Before serving, garnish with chopped green onions to add a fresh touch.

HOW TO SERVE Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is best served hot. You can dish it out on plates or in bowls and garnish with extra green onions for a pop of color. It pairs well with a side salad or some fresh fruit for a balanced meal. You can also serve it family-style in the skillet for a more casual dinner. Make sure to have extra BBQ sauce on the side for those who want a little more flavor.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

If you have leftovers, you can easily store them. Place cooled Honey BBQ Chicken Rice in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing leftovers. Put the rice in a freezer-safe container, and it can last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warm.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance your dinner with a few ideas. Serve it with a simple side salad made from mixed greens, cucumber, and your favorite dressing. You can also add some crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up any sauce left on the plate. For a comforting touch, serve it alongside mac and cheese.

VARIATIONS

Feel free to customize Honey BBQ Chicken Rice to suit your taste. Here are a few variations to consider:

Switch the Meat: You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs or even pork for a different flavor.
Different Sauces: Try using different BBQ sauces like spicy or smoky for a twist. You can also combine it with teriyaki sauce for an Asian flair.
Add More Veggies: Boost nutrition by adding bell peppers, broccoli, or peas to the rice. This not only enhances the dish but also adds color.
Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture or serve with hot sauce on the side.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice can be used, but it requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Adjust the chicken broth to 2.5 cups and increase cooking time to about 30 minutes.

2. Is it okay to use frozen chicken?
It is best to thaw chicken before cooking for even cooking. However, if you use frozen chicken thighs, you will need to adjust the cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.

3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Just combine and cook the rice and chicken when you are ready to eat.

4. What kind of side dishes go well with this meal?
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice pairs well with steamed vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or quinoa for a healthy side.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

If you want to save time, here are some make-ahead tips:

Prep the Ingredients: Chop the vegetables and season the chicken the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge.
Make the Sauce: You can prepare the BBQ sauce and honey mixture a day in advance. Just keep it in the fridge and give it a quick stir before using.
Cook in Bulk: Make a double batch and freeze the extra. You’ll have a homemade meal ready to go for those busy nights when you don’t feel like cooking.

By using these tips and sticking to the steps outlined, you can enjoy a delightful meal of Honey BBQ Chicken Rice any day of the week!

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

A simple and delicious one-pan meal combining tender chicken with a rich honey barbecue sauce served over fluffy rice.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup honey

Seasoning

1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients

1 cup mixed vegetables Optional, add for extra nutrition
Chopped green onions For garnish

Method

Preparation

Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to cover all sides.
In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine BBQ sauce and honey to create the sauce mixture.

Cooking

In the same skillet, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes.
Add chicken broth and pour in half of the BBQ sauce mixture. Stir to combine.
Return the seared chicken to the pan and pour the remaining sauce over it.
Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, add mixed vegetables if using, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes or until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Notes

This dish is great for meal prep and can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.