Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavor-packed dish featuring juicy chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and perfectly seasoned rice—all cooked in one pan for a hassle-free meal! It’s an easy homemade recipe that delivers bold, sweet, and smoky flavors in every bite. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, healthy recipes easy, or high-protein recipes for dinner, this dish is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Wonder: Cook everything in one skillet, saving you time on cleanup after a delicious meal.
- Flavorful: The combination of honey and BBQ sauce creates a delightful sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
- High Protein: Packed with protein from the chicken, this dish will keep you full and satisfied.
Tools and Preparation
To make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice efficiently, having the right tools can make all the difference.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet or deep pan
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet or deep pan: Provides ample space for cooking chicken and rice while allowing even heat distribution.
- Measuring cups: Ensures accuracy in ingredients, leading to better flavor balance in your dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Rice Base
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
For Flavoring
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
To Taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- Chopped green onions or parsley
How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Step 1: Heat the Pan
Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Add a drizzle of oil to the pan and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Toast the Rice
In the same pan, add the uncooked rice. Toast it for 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Pour in the chicken broth. Then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey until well mixed.
Step 6: Return Chicken to Pan
Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture.
Step 7: Simmer
Bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 8: Add Vegetables
After 15 minutes have passed, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice. Cover again and continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until tender.
Step 9: Finishing Touches
Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork.
Step 10: Serve
Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving hot!
Enjoy your delicious Honey BBQ Chicken Rice!
How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Serving Honey BBQ Chicken Rice can be both fun and versatile. This dish is perfect on its own, but you can elevate your meal by pairing it with various sides or garnishes. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Fresh Salads
- Garden Salad: A light mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers tossed in a zesty vinaigrette.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy cabbage and carrots dressed in a creamy or tangy sauce for added texture.
Add Extra Toppings
- Chopped Green Onions: Freshly chopped green onions add a pop of color and flavor.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado complements the smoky BBQ flavors perfectly.
Pair with Bread
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is great for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread adds an extra layer of flavor to your meal.
As Leftovers
- Wraps: Use leftover chicken rice as a filling for wraps with fresh veggies.
- Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with the honey BBQ chicken rice mixture for a healthy twist.

How to Perfect Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
To ensure your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and vegetables enhance the flavor of the dish significantly.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Ensure that both rice and chicken are cooked thoroughly by checking for doneness before serving.
- Experiment with Sauces: Try different BBQ sauces to find your favorite flavor profile.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Complementing your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice with the right side dishes can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some great options to consider:
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a nutritious touch and vibrant color.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables brings sweetness and texture to the table.
- Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans pairs wonderfully with BBQ flavors.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Charred corn offers a smoky, sweet contrast that enhances your main dish.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs are perfect for dipping in extra BBQ sauce.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with lemon dressing provides a healthy alternative to rice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here’s how to steer clear of them.
- Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting to season the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always use spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika for depth.
- Not toasting the rice: Failing to toast the rice before adding liquids can result in a mushy texture. Toast it for 1-2 minutes to enhance its nuttiness.
- Ignoring cooking times: Overcooking or undercooking the chicken and rice is a common error. Follow the times closely for perfectly cooked ingredients.
- Using too much or too little liquid: The right ratio of broth to rice is crucial. Stick to 2 cups of broth for every cup of rice for optimal cooking.
- Forgetting about resting time: Cutting into the dish immediately after cooking can release moisture. Let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing for better texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth in a pan over medium heat until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Honey BBQ Chicken Rice so special?
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice combines sweet, smoky flavors with tender chicken and fluffy rice, creating a comforting meal that everyone loves.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and reheats nicely throughout the week.
How can I customize my Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?
Feel free to add different vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli, or switch up the protein with shrimp or tofu based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins while enjoying its rich flavors. Give it a try and make it your go-to easy dinner recipe!

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, a one-pan wonder that brings together tender chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and perfectly cooked rice for a hassle-free meal. This recipe is not only quick to prepare—taking just 35 minutes—but it also delivers a symphony of bold flavors with every bite. Packed with protein and customizable with your favorite vegetables, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or meal prep. Serve it up for dinner and enjoy a comforting dish that satisfies both taste buds and hunger.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the chicken in oil for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the pan.
- Toast the uncooked rice in the same pan for 1-2 minutes while stirring.
- Add chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey; stir to combine.
- Return the seared chicken to the pan with the rice mixture.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add mixed vegetables on top; cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes until tender.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing rice with a fork.
- Garnish with green onions or parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One-pan cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg