Patrick Simon November 24, 2025

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Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Name: Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
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 for garnish

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As the scent of sweet barbecue mingles with the savory aroma of chicken simmering on the stove, Honey BBQ Chicken Rice brings an inviting warmth to any dinner table. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish effortlessly combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant veggies, all enveloped in a honey-infused BBQ sauce. With an effortless blend of flavors, it promises not just satisfaction but also a delightful culinary experience that’s bound to leave everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes This Special

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is simply irresistible, featuring a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. The sweetness of honey perfectly complements the rich smokiness of BBQ sauce, turning each bite into a delightful treat. Not only is it delectable, but it also comes together quickly and can easily feed a crowd.

Quick to prepare and cook
A one-pot wonder for easy cleanup
Wholesome ingredients that satisfy
Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep
Kid-friendly and adaptable for picky eaters

Gather These Ingredients

Before you dive into this scrumptious dish, let’s gather the essentials. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in infusing flavor and texture into the meal. And remember, if you’re looking for a lighter option, swapping in turkey bacon for some crunch gives it a delicious twist without compromising on health.

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 for garnish

How to Cook Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Bringing together all these simple yet delightful ingredients is easy, and it only takes a few straightforward steps to create this fantastic dish.

Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Allow it to warm up until it’s ready for cooking.
Season the chicken. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper evenly across the chicken pieces, enhancing their flavor before cooking.
Sear the chicken. Add a drizzle of oil to the pan and carefully place the seasoned chicken in. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Toast the rice. In the same pan, add the uncooked long-grain rice. Toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and allowing it to soak up some of the residual flavors.
Add the liquids. Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine with the rice. Then, add the BBQ sauce and honey, creating a luscious, sticky coating.
Return the chicken. Nestle the seared chicken into the rice mixture, ensuring it’s nearly submerged to absorb all those incredible flavors.
Simmer. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Add the vegetables. After the initial cooking time, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice. Cover the pan again and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C.
Let it rest. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow it to sit for 5 minutes. This resting period helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Fluff and serve. Just before serving, fluff the rice gently with a fork. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or parsley for a gorgeous finish and serve hot!

Prep ~ 10 minutes, Cook ~ 25 minutes, Total ~ 35 minutes, Servings ~ 4-6, Kcal ~ 450.

Plan Ahead

If you want to make your dinner prep even smoother, consider prepping certain components ahead of time. You can marinate the chicken with the spices earlier in the day or even the night before, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeper. The mixed vegetables can also be chopped and stored in the fridge. Once you’re ready to eat, simply pull out the components and follow the cooking method.

How to Store Leftovers

Storing your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is easy! If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Be gentle while reheating to keep the rice from becoming mushy, and always give it a quick stir or two. If the rice seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring back moisture. Freshness cue: Look for the vibrant colors and the inviting aroma!

Perfect Pairings

Wondering what to serve alongside your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice? Here are some delightful pairing ideas to elevate your meal:

A crisp, refreshing side salad
Creamy coleslaw for a tangy crunch
Grilled corn on the cob brushed with butter
Garlic bread or rolls for a hearty touch
Steamed broccoli or green beans for added color and nutrients

Variations and Swaps

Feel free to switch things up with these fun flavor twists:

Spicy Kick: Add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the BBQ sauce for a little heat.
Different Protein: Swap out the chicken for ground turkey or chicken sausage for a different texture and flavor.
Vegan Option: Use chickpeas instead of chicken and opt for vegetable broth for a hearty plant-based version.
Different Grains: Try using quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a healthier spin.
Tropical Flavor: Mix in some pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy flavor to the rice.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

To guarantee perfect Honey BBQ Chicken Rice every time, follow these helpful tips:

Don’t overcrowd the pan. Make sure the chicken pieces have space to sear properly; you may need to do this in batches if your pan is small.
Check the temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe 165°F/74°C to retain its juiciness.
Fluff the rice gently. After cooking, fluff the rice using a fork to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Let it sit. Allowing the dish to rest before serving helps the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use brown rice instead of white? Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and increase the amount of broth since brown rice takes longer to cook.
Is it okay to use frozen vegetables? Absolutely! Frozen mixed veggies are convenient and will cook perfectly when added in the last steps.
How can I make this dish gluten-free? Ensure that your BBQ sauce is gluten-free and use a certified gluten-free rice option for the recipe.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled; however, you may need to use a larger pot to accommodate everything.
What if I don’t have garlic powder? You can use fresh minced garlic instead, just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Final Thoughts

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is truly a delightful dish that’s not just easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. With its harmonious blend of flavors and textures, it’s a perfect go-to meal for busy nights or weekend gatherings. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this easy and flavorful recipe that’ll warm your heart and please your palate. Don’t hesitate to share your experiences or tweaks with this dish; happy cooking!

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Diet: Poultry

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Description

A delicious one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant veggies in a honey-infused BBQ sauce.

Instructions

Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat.
Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Sear the chicken in the hot pan for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Toast the long-grain rice in the same pan for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Pour in chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey, stirring to combine.
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 simmer for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, add mixed vegetables, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving.

Notes

For a lighter option, swap in turkey bacon for added crunch. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American