Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a sweet, smoky, and comforting one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners. Juicy chicken is coated in a sticky honey BBQ sauce, then cooked together with fluffy rice in savory chicken broth. The result is a balanced, satisfying dish that delivers bold flavor with very little effort.

This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together in one pan, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced home cooks.

Why You’ll Love This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Easy one-pan meal
Sweet and savory flavor combination
Family-friendly and kid-approved
Perfect for meal prep
Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
1 cup long-grain rice (white rice)
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand)
¼ cup honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins

½ teaspoon chili flakes for heat
1 cup corn or peas
Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

1. Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken on both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika if using.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

2. Make the Honey BBQ Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce and honey until well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

3. Cook the Rice

In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and stir for 1 minute to lightly toast it.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.

4. Combine Everything

Place the chicken back into the pan on top of the rice.
Pour the honey BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

5. Finish and Serve

Remove the pan from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork and spoon extra sauce over the chicken.

Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.

Tips for the Best Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Chicken thighs stay juicier, but chicken breasts work well too
Use long-grain rice for fluffy, separate grains
Keep the heat low while simmering to avoid burning the sauce
Let the dish rest before serving so the rice absorbs all the flavors

Variations and Substitutions

Spicy Version: Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper
Oven-Baked Option: Transfer everything to a baking dish and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 35–40 minutes
Vegetable Add-In: Add bell peppers, onions, or zucchini
Brown Rice Option: Increase broth and cooking time accordingly

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth
Great for meal prep lunches

Final Thoughts

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe is a perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. It’s easy, comforting, and made with ingredients you likely already have — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any night of the week.