If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that combines sweet, smoky flavors with minimal cleanup, this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is about to become your new go-to. This one-pan wonder delivers restaurant-quality taste without the fuss, making it perfect for those nights when you need something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
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Ingredients for Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
When I make this recipe, I focus on using quality ingredients that work together to create those bold, sweet, and smoky flavors. My go-to approach is keeping things simple while maximizing taste, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way that make all the difference.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (left whole or cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (I always use long-grain because it stays fluffy and never gets mushy)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (I recommend a smoky variety like hickory or mesquite for extra depth)
- 1/4 cup honey (adjust to taste depending on how sweet you like it)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (this adds a wonderful smoky layer)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen peas, corn, and carrots work perfectly)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- Chopped green onions or fresh parsley for garnish (optional but adds nice color)
Step-by-Step Instructions
In my experience, the key to this recipe’s success is building layers of flavor from the start. Taking just a few minutes to properly sear the chicken makes a huge difference in the final dish.
Step 1: Heat your large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat and add the 2 tablespoons of oil. While it’s heating, season your chicken pieces generously with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on the outside. You’re not cooking it through yet, just creating that flavorful crust. Remove the chicken (it won’t be fully cooked yet) and set aside on a plate.
Step 2: In the same pan (don’t wipe it clean, those browned bits are flavor gold), add your uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step adds a subtle nutty flavor to the rice. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 3: Stir in the BBQ sauce and honey until everything is well combined. The mixture should look glossy and smell incredible. Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the pan, making sure they’re partially submerged in the liquid. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
Step 4: After 15 minutes, quickly distribute the mixed vegetables evenly over the top of the rice, cover again, and continue cooking for 5 more minutes. The rice should be tender and have absorbed all the liquid, and the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If liquid remains, uncover and cook for 2-3 minutes more. Remove from heat and let the pan sit covered for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and become perfectly fluffy. Fluff with a fork, garnish with green onions or parsley, and serve hot.
Perfect Side Dishes for Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
This dish is hearty and filling on its own, but pairing it with the right sides creates a well-rounded meal that balances flavors and textures beautifully.
Crisp Garden Salad: A fresh green salad with mixed lettuce, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes dressed in a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the BBQ sauce and adds a refreshing crunch that complements the tender chicken and rice perfectly.
Roasted Broccoli: Oven-roasted broccoli florets with a light drizzle of olive oil and garlic provide a nutritious, fiber-rich side that adds color to your plate while balancing the sweet and smoky flavors of the main dish.
Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra BBQ sauce on your plate, and the garlicky notes enhance the savory elements of this chicken rice recipe.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw with a vinegar-based dressing adds a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, saucy rice and provides a palate-cleansing element between bites.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Roasted sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with BBQ flavors and add a Southern comfort food touch that makes this meal feel extra special, especially for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Storing and Reheating Your Leftovers
This recipe stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. Transfer any cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, portion the chicken rice into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
When reheating, I recommend adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a tablespoon or two of liquid, stirring occasionally until warmed completely.
This recipe is incredibly versatile, so don’t hesitate to customize it based on what you have on hand. Swap the vegetables, try different protein options like shrimp or cubed pork, or adjust the sweetness level to suit your family’s preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically requires 40-45 minutes of cooking time and about 2 1/2 cups of broth instead of 2 cups. Add the vegetables during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
What if I don’t have mixed vegetables?
Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have available. Fresh or frozen green beans, bell peppers, snap peas, or even spinach work wonderfully. Just adjust the cooking time based on whether they’re fresh or frozen.
Can I make this recipe in a rice cooker?
Absolutely. Sear the chicken in a separate pan first, then transfer everything to your rice cooker with the uncooked rice, broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Cook on the regular rice setting, adding vegetables during the last 10 minutes if your cooker has a steam function.
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat and add the 2 tablespoons of oil. Season chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Once oil shimmers, add chicken in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken (it won’t be fully cooked yet) and set aside.
- In the same pan, add uncooked rice and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in BBQ sauce and honey until well combined. Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the pan, making sure they are partially submerged in the liquid. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover with tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- After 15 minutes, quickly distribute mixed vegetables evenly over the rice, cover again, and cook for 5 more minutes. Rice should be tender and have absorbed all liquid, and chicken should reach 165°F internal temperature. If liquid remains, uncover and cook 2-3 minutes more. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork, garnish with green onions or parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
