Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Table of content
Table of Contents
why make this recipe
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious and simple dish that combines tender chicken thighs with flavorful rice. It is perfect for a family dinner or a quick meal during a busy week. The sweet and tangy BBQ sauce mixed with honey adds a mouthwatering taste that everyone loves. Plus, it can be made in one pan, making cleanup easy!

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
For the Rice
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- mixed vegetables (optional) 1 cup, such as bell peppers, carrots, or peas
Garnish
- chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cooking
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth and half of the sauce mixture. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pan and pour the remaining sauce over the top.
- Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
- Add the mixed vegetables, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes or until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition

how to make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
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
- 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
Directions:
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth and half of the sauce mixture. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pan and pour the remaining sauce over the top.
- Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
- Add the mixed vegetables, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes or until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
The Honey BBQ Sauce
BBQ Sauce & Honey: Your favorite BBQ sauce provides the tangy, smoky base, while honey adds a natural sweetness and helps create a glossy glaze. The combination is what gives Honey BBQ Chicken Rice its signature taste.
Aromatics & Acid: Minced garlic, onion powder, and a splash of apple cider vinegar add depth and balance, cutting through the sweetness.
Broth: Chicken broth forms the cooking liquid for the rice, infusing it with extra savory flavor. For another quick and savory chicken and rice dish, check out our Greek Chicken Bowls.
how to serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice directly from the skillet for a comforting meal. You can add a side salad or some crusty bread for extra texture. For a fun twist, serve it in bowls, allowing everyone to enjoy their portion with garnished green onions on top.
how to store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

To store any leftovers, let the dish cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.
tips to make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce and honey for a few hours before cooking.
- Feel free to use brown rice instead of white rice; just adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
- Add more vegetables to increase the nutrition, such as bell peppers, carrots, or peas.
variation
If you want to make this recipe spicy, add some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture. You can also substitute the chicken thighs for chicken breasts or even try tofu for a vegetarian version.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice?
Yes, you can use jasmine or basmati rice. Just check the cooking guidelines for the rice you choose.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and check that the chicken broth is also gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and reheat it when ready to serve. Just be sure to store it properly in the fridge.
Q: Can I make this spicier?
A: Absolutely! Use a spicy BBQ sauce, add a diced jalapeño when sautéing the garlic, or include a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Conclusion: Your New Go-To One-Pot Wonder
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is the quintessential easy dinner recipe. It proves that with a single pot and a handful of ingredients, you can create a meal that is exponentially greater than the sum of its parts. It’s family-friendly, endlessly adaptable, and delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with minimal cleanup. Once this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice becomes part of your rotation, you’ll find yourself relying on it again and again for its unbeatable combination of ease, flavor, and satisfaction. in the end this is our pinterest account for more ideas.
