Sticky-sweet. Smoky. Saucy. This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice brings all the comfort of a summer cookout right into your kitchen, no grill needed. It’s a hearty one-pan wonder that’s kid-loved, meal-prep friendly, and honestly… just the kind of cozy dinner that makes everyone smile.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
If you’re chasing a no-fuss dinner that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this is it.
You can make it in one pan (less cleanup = more joy)
It uses pantry staples you likely already have
The combo of BBQ sauce + honey creates this irresistible glaze that clings to juicy chicken and fluffy rice
It’s totally customizable mild for the kiddos or spicy for the grownups
You can serve it with salad, veggies, or just a spoon!
Basically, it’s a midweek lifesaver and a lazy weekend hero. Win-win.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
1 lb boneless chicken thighs (or breasts) tender and juicy
1 cup long-grain white rice jasmine or basmati works well
½ cup BBQ sauce pick your fave, smoky or sweet
2 tablespoons honey adds a perfect sticky-sweet finish
2 tablespoons soy sauce for a savory depth
2 cloves garlic, minced fresh is best, but powder works
1½ cups chicken broth to cook the rice full of flavor
1 tablespoon olive oil for searing
Optional add-ins: chopped bell peppers, corn, peas, or green onions
How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
This dish comes together in about 45 minutes and makes the whole house smell like comfort food heaven.
Step 1 Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 3 4 minutes per side until golden. It doesn’t have to be fully cooked yet we’ll finish it later.
Step 2 Toast the Rice & Add Flavor
Push the chicken aside and stir in the rice and garlic. Let it toast slightly for 1 2 minutes, then pour in the broth, BBQ sauce, honey, and soy sauce. Give everything a gentle stir.
Step 3 Simmer to Perfection
Bring the pan to a simmer, then cover with a lid and reduce heat to low. Cook for 18 20 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 4 Add Veggies (Optional)
If you’re tossing in frozen or fresh veggies, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. They’ll steam perfectly.
Step 5 Fluff & Finish
Once done, fluff the rice with a fork, slice or shred the chicken, and let it sit uncovered for a few minutes so the sauce thickens up. Sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley for that fresh bite.
Recipe Tips & Variations
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne, chili flakes, or chipotle for heat
Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas
Double the batch: It reheats like a dream
No BBQ sauce? Try teriyaki or even gochujang for a twist
Meal prep magic: Divide into containers and store for easy grab-n-go lunches
How to Serve It
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a meal on its own, but here’s how to make it shine brighter:
Serve with a crisp green salad or slaw
Pair it with roasted veggies like broccoli or carrots
Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream
Garnish ideas: chopped parsley, lemon zest
For a fun twist next time, try it over our easy broccoli rice and cheese casserole
Storage & Reheating
To store: Pop leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days
To freeze: Cool completely, then freeze up to 2 months
To reheat: Add a splash of broth and microwave or warm on the stove over low
If you love bold sweet-savory flavors, don’t skip this honey garlic chicken too it’s another weeknight gem.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Just keep an eye on cook time so they don’t dry out.
What kind of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice like jasmine or basmati is perfect. Avoid instant or short-grain varieties.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check your BBQ sauce label.
Does it freeze well?
It sure does. Just portion, freeze, and reheat with a splash of broth.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just use a bigger pan and extend simmering time by 5 10 minutes.
Try It & Tell Me!
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is sweet, smoky, savory, and just ridiculously good. If you try it, leave a comment below or tag me so I can see your cozy kitchen magic.
Serve it with a bowl of this creamy chicken tortellini for a comforting double feature.
Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy ideas, or join the fun on Facebook!
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: chopped bell peppers corn, peas, or green onions
Instructions
- 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- 2. Stir in rice and garlic. Toast for 1–2 minutes.
- 3. Pour in broth, BBQ sauce, honey, and soy sauce. Stir to combine.
- 4. Return chicken to the pan. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 18–20 minutes on low heat.
- 5. If using veggies, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- 6. Remove from heat. Fluff rice and let rest for a few minutes.
- 7. Slice or shred chicken, garnish with herbs, and serve hot.