Why Make This Recipe
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe is a great choice for a quick and tasty meal. It combines tender chicken thighs with sweet and smoky flavors of honey and BBQ sauce, all served over fluffy rice. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your family and friends with something delicious.
How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional)
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Directions:
- Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes. Add chicken broth and half the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pan, pour remaining sauce over the top.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
- Add mixed vegetables, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice hot, straight from the pan. You can add a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top for a fresh touch. This dish pairs well with a side salad or your favorite steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How to Store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3–4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container.
Tips to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Make sure to sear the chicken until it is nicely browned for extra flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey based on your taste.
- You can also add your favorite spices to customize the flavor.
- If you like it spicy, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Variation
Try using different proteins, like pork or tofu, instead of chicken for a different twist. You can also mix in other veggies like bell peppers or broccoli, depending on what you have at home.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! If you use brown rice, you may need to increase the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook than white rice.
2. Can I make this recipe without chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or even skip the protein altogether for a vegetarian option.
3. What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
You can use any BBQ sauce you like. A smoky or sweet BBQ sauce works best for this recipe, but feel free to choose your favorite!
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
A quick and delicious Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe featuring tender chicken thighs and a sweet, smoky sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional)
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes. Add chicken broth and half the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pan, pour remaining sauce over the top.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
- Add mixed vegetables, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Notes
To customize the flavor, feel free to add more vegetables or adjust the sweetness of the sauce with additional honey.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Honey BBQ, Chicken Rice, Quick Dinner, Family Meal