If you’re craving something cozy, flavorful, and easy to whip up after a long day, this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is about to become your new favorite. Juicy chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and golden honey come together with fluffy rice in one pan for a dinner that’s as comforting as it is simple. The best part? It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and perfect for both busy weeknights and laid-back weekends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✨ Quick & Easy – From prep to table in about 35 minutes.
✨ One-Pan Wonder – Less mess, less stress, all the flavor.
✨ Budget-Friendly – Made with pantry staples you already have.
✨ Family-Approved – Sweet, smoky, and totally kid-friendly.
✨ Customizable – Add veggies, spice it up, or swap proteins.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Full measurements in recipe card below)
- Chicken thighs or breasts – tender and juicy, perfect for soaking up the sauce
- Rice – long-grain rice works best for a fluffy texture
- Chicken broth – keeps the rice flavorful
- BBQ sauce – smoky and tangy, choose your favorite
- Honey – adds natural sweetness and shine
- Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika – seasoning with a kick
- Mixed vegetables – frozen or fresh for color and nutrients
- Salt & pepper – to taste
- Optional garnish – fresh parsley or green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sear the Chicken
Season chicken with spices. In a large skillet, sear each side for 3–4 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Rice
In the same pan, toast rice for 1–2 minutes. Stir in chicken broth, honey, and BBQ sauce.
3. Simmer Everything Together
Nestle the chicken back into the pan. Cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes.
4. Add the Vegetables
Sprinkle in mixed veggies, cover again, and cook for 5 more minutes until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Let rest for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice, garnish with parsley or green onions, and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
- Swap rice with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
- Spice it up with chili flakes or hot sauce.
- Double the recipe and freeze for meal prep.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
- Garnish: parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Season chicken with spices, then sear for 3–4 minutes per side. Remove.
- Toast rice in the same pan for 1–2 minutes. Stir in broth, honey, and BBQ sauce.
- Return chicken to the pan. Cover and simmer 15 minutes.
- Add vegetables, cover, and cook 5 more minutes.
- Let rest, fluff rice, garnish, and serve warm.
Final Thoughts
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is comfort food made simple—sweet, smoky, and satisfying every time. It’s the kind of recipe that wins over picky eaters, works for meal prep, and makes weeknights a whole lot easier.