Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

I’ve created a comforting Honey BBQ Chicken Rice dish featuring tender chicken glazed in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, served over fluffy rice—a cozy, one-bowl meal that tastes indulgent but is easy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how the combination of sticky honey BBQ sauce and juicy chicken turns plain rice into a hearty and flavorful meal. It’s simple to make, perfect for weeknights, and everyone always asks for seconds.

Ingredients

(here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced

• olive oil

• salt and pepper

• garlic powder or minced garlic

• onion powder or finely chopped onion

• rice (white, brown, or jasmine)

• chicken broth or water

Honey BBQ Sauce

• honey

• favorite BBQ sauce

• soy sauce or tamari (optional, for depth)

• apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

• smoked paprika or chili powder (optional)

Directions

1. I season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

2. I heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add the chicken, and cook until browned and nearly cooked through—about 5–7 minutes. I remove the chicken and set it aside.

3. In the same skillet, I add a splash of oil if needed, then sauté a bit of onion or garlic until fragrant—about 1–2 minutes.

4. I pour in honey, BBQ sauce, a dash of soy sauce, and stir in vinegar and smoked paprika. I whisk the mixture until smooth and simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.

5. I return the chicken to the skillet, tossing it thoroughly to coat in the sticky sauce. I let it cook for another 2–3 minutes so the sauce clings to the chicken.

6. Meanwhile, I cook the rice according to package directions—using chicken broth instead of water for more flavor.

7. I serve the honey BBQ chicken over a bed of hot rice, spooning extra sauce from the pan on top.

8. I garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for freshness, and drizzle extra BBQ sauce if I want an extra punch.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people.

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: Around 25 minutes

Variations

• Veggie boost: I stir in bell peppers, corn, or black beans for color and nutrition.

• Spice it up: I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce.

• Cheesy twist: I sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the rice before serving.

• Healthier version: I use brown rice and omit added sugar by choosing a low-sugar BBQ sauce.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat—adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce—then serve over freshly cooked rice.

FAQs

How can I make sure the chicken stays tender?

I cook the chicken just until it’s no longer pink, then return it to the sauce so it finishes cooking gently in the sauce—this keeps it juicy.

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Yes—this is a great shortcut! I toss shredded or chopped pre-cooked chicken into the warmed sauce until coated.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be—just use gluten-free BBQ sauce and tamari instead of soy sauce to ensure it’s safe for gluten-free diets.

Can I cook this in one pot?

Yes—I sometimes cook the rice in the skillet along with the sauce by adding extra broth. The risk is the sauce might stain the rice—it’s still tasty, though.

What should I serve with this meal?

I like to serve it with a fresh side salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables—anything green to balance the rich chicken and rice.

Conclusion

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. I love the sweet, smoky sauce coating tender chicken served over fluffy rice. It’s become one of my favorite go-to meals for busy nights.