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!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken
• For the Rice
• For the Sauce
• For Vegetables
• For Garnish
• How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
• Step 1: Heat the Pan
• Step 2: Season the Chicken
• Step 3: Sear the Chicken
• Step 4: Toast the Rice
• Step 5: Combine Ingredients
• Step 6: Add Chicken Back
• Step 7: Simmer
• Step 8: Add Mixed Vegetables
• Step 9: Fluff and Serve
• How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs
• Pair with a Side Salad
• Serve with Additional BBQ Sauce
• Add a Squeeze of Lemon
• Wrap it Up
• Create Bowls
• How to Perfect Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
• Best Side Dishes for Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
• Reheating Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use other types of chicken?
• What vegetables can I add?
• How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
• Is this recipe healthy?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal prep and all cooking happens in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey and BBQ sauce gives the chicken a deliciously sweet and smoky taste.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for family dinners or meal prep. You can easily swap out vegetables or adjust spices to suit your taste.
• High in Protein: With tender chicken and nutritious rice, this dish packs a protein punch while being satisfying and filling.
• Quick Cooking Time: In just 35 minutes, you can serve a complete meal that everyone will love.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the necessary tools before you start. This will help streamline the process of making Honey BBQ Chicken Rice.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or deep pan
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or deep pan: This is essential for searing the chicken properly and allows room for cooking rice alongside it.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure the right balance of flavors in your dish.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

For the Rice

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth

For the Sauce

• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Vegetables

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)

For Garnish

• 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.
1. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
2. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Toast the Rice

In the same pan:
1. Add uncooked rice.
2. Toast it for 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Pour in the chicken broth. Then stir in BBQ sauce and honey.

Step 6: Add Chicken Back

Return 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 Mixed Vegetables

After 15 minutes:
1. Sprinkle mixed vegetables over rice.
2. Cover again and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until rice is tender.

Step 9: Fluff and Serve

Remove from heat:
1. Let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing rice.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving hot!

How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or hosting friends, here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Green Onions: A sprinkle of fresh green onions adds a crunchy texture and bright flavor.
• Chopped Parsley: This herb not only enhances the presentation but also brings a fresh taste.

Pair with a Side Salad

• Garden Salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers complements the hearty chicken rice.
• Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.

Serve with Additional BBQ Sauce

• Extra BBQ Sauce on the Side: Offer extra BBQ sauce for those who enjoy a bolder flavor. It’s perfect for dipping or drizzling!

Add a Squeeze of Lemon

• Fresh Lemon Wedge: A squeeze of lemon over the dish brightens up the flavors and adds a zesty kick.

Wrap it Up

• In Lettuce Wraps: For a fun twist, serve the chicken rice in crisp lettuce leaves for an easy-to-eat option that’s both healthy and delicious.

Create Bowls

• Rice Bowls: Serve the honey BBQ chicken rice in bowls topped with avocado slices and jalapeños for added flavor and texture.

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

To achieve the best results when preparing Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Quality Chicken: Choose fresh, high-quality chicken thighs or breasts for juiciness and flavor.
• Toast Your Rice: Toasting the rice before adding liquids brings out its nuttiness and enhances overall taste.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on cooking times to ensure both chicken and rice are perfectly cooked without being dry.
• Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
• Adjust Sweetness: Modify the amount of honey according to your preference; less honey will yield a more savory dish.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Complement your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice with these delectable side dishes. Each option brings something unique to your meal.

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread pairs well and is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
2. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is a classic side that enhances the dish’s barbecue flavors—grill or boil as you prefer.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and nutrients to your plate.
4. Baked Beans: Rich baked beans provide a hearty addition that complements the sweet notes of honey BBQ.
5. Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad offers coolness, balancing out the warm, savory chicken rice.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a satisfying side that everyone loves.
7. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of rich chicken rice.
8. Cucumber Salad: Light and crisp cucumber salad adds freshness and crunch—perfect alongside this dish!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can affect the final dish. Here are common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to blandness. Always use garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika for flavor.
• Using cold chicken: Adding cold chicken to the pan may cause uneven cooking. Let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking.
• Ignoring rice preparation: Toasting the rice enhances its flavor. Don’t skip this step; it only takes a couple of minutes and makes a big difference.
• Not checking the liquid ratio: Using too much or too little broth can ruin your rice texture. Stick to the 2 cups of chicken broth for best results.
• Overcrowding the pan: If your skillet is too small, it may not cook evenly. Use a large enough skillet to allow everything to cook properly.

PIN THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Honey BBQ Chicken Rice in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

• You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months.
• Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers.

Reheating Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, we’ve got answers! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions.

Can I use other types of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken thighs with breasts or even use rotisserie chicken for convenience.

What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. A meat thermometer is helpful here.

Is this recipe healthy?

Absolutely! This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe is high in protein and includes vegetables, making it a balanced meal option.

Final Thoughts

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various proteins and veggies based on your preference. This one-pan meal is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy family meals. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!