If you’ve been searching for a meal that’s bursting with flavor but simple enough to whip up on a weeknight, this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe is your new best friend. Juicy chicken cubes bathed in a luscious honey and BBQ sauce marinade combine perfectly with buttery, fluffy rice cooked right in the same pan. Every bite delivers a beautiful harmony of sweet, smoky, and savory notes that feels both comforting and exciting. It’s a dish that turns everyday ingredients into a memorable meal, and I just know you’re going to love how quickly it comes together without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from the smoky paprika and seasoning blend to the honey’s natural sweetness and the hearty rice that brings everything together in a satisfying way.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cutting these into cubes helps them cook quickly and soak up all the delicious marinade.
- 1 cup honey: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the tangy BBQ sauce perfectly.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Provides a smoky, tangy base that’s the heart of the marinade.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Keeps the chicken juicy and also helps brown it nicely in the skillet.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Boosts the savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Adds a mild pungency that complements the garlic and paprika.
- ½ tsp smoked paprika: Imparts a smoky warmth that elevates the dish’s complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 2 cups long grain rice: Cooks up fluffy and light, the perfect base for soaking up flavors.
- 4 cups chicken broth or water: Using broth adds extra flavor to the rice, making it anything but plain.
- 1 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps toast the rice slightly for a nutty undertone.
- 2 green onions, chopped: A fresh, crisp garnish that adds brightness to the finished dish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a pop of color and subtle herbaceous notes.
How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by mixing the honey, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. This simple marinade is where the magic begins, blending sweet and smoky flavors that will deeply infuse the chicken cubes.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the cubed chicken into your marinade, tossing everything until each piece is coated beautifully. Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This wait time allows the chicken to soak up all those fantastic flavors and become tender.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the marinated chicken and cook until the pieces are browned and cooked through, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Removing the chicken at this point ensures it stays juicy while you prepare the rice.
Step 4: Toast the Rice
In the same skillet (don’t clean it—those leftover flavorful bits are pure gold), melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the rice and cook for around 2 minutes, letting the rice get slightly toasted. This step gives the rice a lovely nutty flavor and a bit of texture.
Step 5: Cook the Rice
Pour the chicken broth (or water) into the skillet with the rice and bring to a boil. Then, cover and reduce heat to low, letting it simmer until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender—about 15 to 20 minutes. Cooking the rice in this flavorful liquid makes every grain taste fantastic.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Rice
Fluff the cooked rice gently with a fork and fold in the cooked chicken. Allow the mixture to warm through for a few minutes. This final step ensures the chicken and rice flavors meld beautifully, making every forkful pop.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
There’s nothing better than serving this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe straight from the skillet, garnished with freshly chopped green onions and parsley to brighten it up. It’s a colorful, comforting dish that’s ready to impress.
How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions bring a fresh crunch and mild onion flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the smoky chicken. Adding fresh parsley is optional but highly recommended—it adds a lovely burst of color and subtle herbal freshness that makes the dish look as bright as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe pairs exceptionally well with crisp, lightly dressed salad greens or roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or asparagus. A simple coleslaw can also add a tangy, crunchy balance, rounding out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to elevate this dish for guests or family dinners? Spoon the chicken rice into colorful bowls or serve it over a bed of fresh spinach for an extra pop of green. Adding a wedge of lime or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce on the side can dial up the flavor in beautiful, unexpected ways.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice cool completely before transferring leftovers into an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will keep well for up to 3 days, making it an excellent candidate for easy next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish in advance, it freezes beautifully. Package portions tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist. Alternatively, microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally to heat evenly without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat, which keeps them extra juicy and flavorful. Just cut them into similar-sized cubes and follow the same marinating and cooking instructions.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your BBQ sauce is gluten-free, which many brands offer nowadays. Always double-check the label to be sure, especially if gluten is a concern.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and more chew, but it takes longer to cook and requires more liquid. Adjust cooking time and liquid accordingly—usually about 40-45 minutes with extra broth.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red chili flakes to the marinade. A dash of hot sauce before serving can also wake up the flavors nicely.
Can this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe be made in one pot?
Yes! The recipe is designed to be cooked mostly in one skillet, which saves on washing up and helps the flavors meld beautifully. Just be sure to use a pan large enough to handle all the ingredients comfortably.
Final Thoughts
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With its balanced blend of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors and its easy one-pan method, it’s perfect for both busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I enjoy sharing it with you—it’s sure to become a favorite on your recipe roster!
Print
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 30m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 1h 0m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal combining tender, marinated chicken pieces with buttery toasted rice cooked in savory chicken broth. Enhanced with a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, this dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 cup (250ml) honey
- 1 cup (250ml) BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice and Cooking
- 2 cups (400g) long grain rice
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth or water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
Garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the honey, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create the marinade mixture.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Toast the Rice: In the same skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Add the rice and stir to coat it evenly with the butter. Cook for about 2 minutes until the rice is slightly toasted, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Cook the Rice: Pour in the chicken broth or water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover the skillet and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Combine Chicken and Rice: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and stir in the cooked chicken. Allow the mixture to warm through for 2-3 minutes on low heat.
- Serve: Serve the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice hot, garnished with chopped green onions and fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- For more flavor, let the chicken marinate longer, up to 4 hours or overnight.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or water if preferred.
- Feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers or corn for added texture and nutrients.
- Use low-sodium BBQ sauce and broth to reduce sodium content.
