If you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner that absolutely bursts with flavor, look no further than Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken pieces glossed in a sweet and tangy barbecue glaze, all tossed with fluffy rice and pops of colorful veggies. It’s an irresistibly comforting meal that will have your family begging for seconds—and you’ll love how quickly it comes together. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing favorite worthy of your regular dinner rotation!

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is just how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each addition plays its part, whether it’s cranking up the flavor, adding color, or giving an irresistible texture that keeps you coming back for bite after bite.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs keep things juicy and cook up quickly in bite-sized cubes.
Olive Oil: A touch is all you need to get that perfect golden sear on your chicken while keeping the final dish light.
Garlic Powder: The key to big flavor without the fuss or risk of burning real garlic in the skillet.
Onion Powder: Adds mellow depth and pairs perfectly with barbecue flavors.
Smoked Paprika: Don’t skip this! It infuses the chicken with a subtle smokiness that takes you right to a summer cookout—even indoors.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the entire dish, letting all those flavors shine.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your absolute favorite, whether you prefer things smoky, spicy, or a little sweet.
Honey: This brings out the sticky, caramelized side of the sauce and creates that signature glossy finish.
Cooked Rice: White or brown, leftover or freshly made—rice turns this skillet supper into a hearty meal.
Frozen Corn (optional): Just a handful adds bursts of sweetness and gorgeous color with zero effort.
Green Onions or Parsley: A fresh sprinkle right before serving makes every bowl feel special and bright.

How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Toss your chicken pieces in a generous dusting of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Every little cube should have a layer of that goodness clinging to it—this is where the flavor-building starts, so don’t be shy!

Step 2: Sear It Golden

Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and let it sizzle! Stir occasionally, but give it a chance to really brown and develop those irresistible caramelized bits. After about 6–8 minutes, your kitchen will already smell incredible and the chicken will be perfectly cooked through.

Step 3: Make the Honey BBQ Magic

In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce and honey to form your sweet and tangy elixir. Pour it right into the skillet with the chicken and stir until every piece is luxuriously coated. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes so the sauce gets glossy, thick, and wonderfully sticky.

Step 4: Bring in the Rice (and Corn!)

Add your cooked rice and the optional corn straight into the skillet, then toss, toss, toss! The flavors blend together in the pan while everything warms through, creating a bowl that’s creamy, tender, and oh-so-satisfying in every bite.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

As a finishing step, scatter those chopped green onions or parsley over the top. Just like that, your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is ready for the dinner table! The fresh garnish adds color and a hint of freshness that perfectly contrasts the rich, sticky chicken.

How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Garnishes

Garnishing makes a huge difference with this dish! A sprinkle of fresh green onions brings a gentle sharpness and vibrant pop of color, while chopped parsley offers a fresh, herby note. For even more zest, try a few dashes of hot sauce or a squeeze of lime over each bowl.

Side Dishes

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a meal in itself, but if you want to round out dinner, it pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli, a crisp garden salad, or a platter of roasted sweet potatoes. When you’re feeling indulgent, add cornbread or buttery rolls to soak up every last bit of sweet, tangy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Honey BBQ Chicken Rice into individual bowls for an easy lunch, stuff it into bell pepper halves and bake until bubbly, or even roll it up in tortillas for a delicious BBQ chicken wrap. For family parties, serve it buffet-style with lots of toppings—think shredded cheese, avocado, or crispy tortilla strips!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice keeps brilliantly in the fridge for up to four days. Simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container (let it cool first!) and you’ll have a grab-and-go lunch or easy dinner later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to stash away some Honey BBQ Chicken Rice for future cravings, let the dish cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing; it can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice back to its saucy, steamy glory, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen things up, or microwave in short bursts, stirring and checking as you go. Don’t forget to re-garnish with fresh herbs for that just-cooked finishing touch!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you even juicier bites and a little extra flavor. Just follow the exact same steps—this recipe is flexible enough for both cuts.

Which barbecue sauce is best for Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?

It’s all about your preferences! Go smoky for backyard BBQ vibes, spicy for a fiery kick, or classic sweet for the ultimate family pleaser. If you love store-bought or have a homemade version, both will work beautifully.

Can this dish be made with leftover rice?

Yes, and it’s actually even easier! Day-old rice has just the right texture for tossing into the skillet, so feel free to use up leftovers and save a little prep time.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for chickpeas or cubes of pressed tofu, and use your favorite plant-based barbecue sauce. The honey can be replaced with maple syrup or agave for a vegan spin that’s just as satisfying.

What vegetables can I add in?

Beyond the optional corn, try sautéing bell peppers, zucchini, or even black beans for extra heartiness and color. This is a great way to clean out your produce drawer while making Honey BBQ Chicken Rice your own.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving that cozy, flavor-packed meal with almost no fuss, you have to try Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. It always manages to turn an ordinary weeknight into something special—and leftovers taste just as amazing. Grab your skillet and get ready to fall in love with how easy dinnertime can be!

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken pieces in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, served with fluffy rice. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Rice:

1/2 cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
1/2 cup frozen corn (optional)
1/4 cup chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together barbecue sauce and honey. Pour over the chicken, simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Add rice and corn to the skillet, toss until heated through.
Serve: Garnish with green onions or parsley before serving.