If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dinner that the whole family will love, this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is your go-to recipe. Juicy chicken thighs glazed in a sweet-and-savory honey BBQ sauce sit atop tender, perfectly cooked rice, making this dish a one-pan wonder. With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and just 50 minutes from start to finish, it’s an easy homemade dinner that even beginner cooks can master. This quick, flavorful meal is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep, giving you a delicious, satisfying dinner with almost no cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan meal – less cleanup, more flavor.
- Beginner-friendly – easy steps even novice cooks can follow.
- Quick and convenient – ready in just 50 minutes.
- Family-approved – crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
- Budget-friendly – simple ingredients for an affordable, hearty meal.
- Customizable – add vegetables or swap rice types for your preference.
About the Ingredients
- Chicken thighs – naturally juicy and tender, perfect for absorbing the honey BBQ sauce.
- Long-grain rice – cooks evenly and absorbs the sauce, giving each bite flavor.
- Chicken broth – adds depth and richness to the rice.
- BBQ sauce & honey – create the perfect balance of sweet and savory for that signature glaze.
- Garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika – essential seasonings that elevate flavor.
- Mixed vegetables – optional but add color, nutrients, and texture.
- Green onions – fresh garnish that adds brightness to the dish.
Tips & Tricks
- Toast rice briefly before adding liquid for a nutty flavor.
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the sauce while simmering.
- Cover the pan tightly to ensure the rice cooks evenly.
- Let the dish sit 5 minutes after cooking to let the flavors meld.
Pro Tips
- Sear the chicken well for a golden crust—it locks in juices.
- Use equal parts BBQ sauce and honey for perfect balance, but adjust sweetness to taste.
- Add frozen mixed vegetables during the last 5 minutes for a quick nutrient boost.
- Stir rice gently after cooking to avoid breaking grains and keep a fluffy texture.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the chicken – Sprinkle chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the chicken – Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce – In a small bowl, combine BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- Toast the rice – In the same pan, toast uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes. Add chicken broth and half the sauce, stirring to combine.
- Cook together – Return chicken to the pan, pour remaining sauce over the top. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
- Add vegetables – Stir in mixed vegetables, cover, and cook 5 more minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest and serve – Let sit 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Variations
- Gluten-free – Use gluten-free BBQ sauce and soy sauce.
- Spicy twist – Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or sriracha to the sauce.
- Vegetable-packed – Add bell peppers, peas, or carrots for extra nutrition.
- Brown rice option – Use brown rice, increasing cooking time to 25–30 minutes.
- Chicken breast alternative – Substitute chicken thighs with breasts; reduce cooking time to avoid dryness.
How to Store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze – Freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheat – Microwave or reheat on stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep rice moist.
- Make-ahead – Prepare the sauce and chop vegetables ahead for faster weeknight cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Prepare the sauce and chop ingredients, then assemble and cook on the day you want to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I make it healthier?
Use brown rice or add extra vegetables for a more nutrient-packed meal.
What substitutions can I use?
Chicken breasts work, or swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The sweet BBQ flavor and tender rice make it a hit with children.
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Ingredients
Method
- Season the chicken thighs evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic until smooth.
- In the same skillet, add the uncooked rice and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the chicken broth and half of the honey BBQ sauce. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice. Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
- Add mixed vegetables if using, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Why should the chicken be taken out of the pan in Step 2 to only be put back in for Step 4? Step 3 is just whisking BBQ and honey together????