Name: Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup BBQ sauce; 1/4 cup honey; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen); 1 tablespoon cooking oil; Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)

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I love how this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice comes together as a comforting, flavor-packed meal that feels both simple and satisfying. Every time I cook it, I end up with tender chicken coated in a sweet and smoky sauce, paired with fluffy rice that absorbs all those delicious flavors. This is one of those recipes I rely on when I want something reliable, filling, and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I keep making this recipe because it checks all the right boxes for me. It’s easy enough for busy days, but still feels special when I serve it. I like that the ingredients are affordable and easy to find, yet the final dish tastes rich and comforting. I also enjoy how flexible it is, since I can tweak the sweetness or smokiness depending on my mood. Most importantly, it’s a complete one-pan meal that always leaves me feeling satisfied.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Here’s everything I use to make this dish:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup mixed vegetables, fresh or frozen
1 tablespoon cooking oil
Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

I start by heating a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat and adding the cooking oil. I season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. I sear the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until it develops a nice golden color, then I remove it from the pan and set it aside.

In the same pan, I add the uncooked rice and stir it for 1 to 2 minutes to lightly toast it. I pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey until everything is well combined. I return the chicken to the pan, placing it gently into the rice mixture.

I bring the pan to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover it, and let everything simmer for about 15 minutes. After that, I sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice, cover the pan again, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. I remove the pan from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice and serving.

Servings And Timing

I usually get 4 servings from this recipe. It takes me about 10 minutes to prepare everything and around 30 to 35 minutes to cook, so the total time is roughly 45 minutes.

Variations

I like switching things up depending on what I have on hand. Sometimes I add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn. When I want more heat, I mix in chili flakes or a bit of hot sauce. If I want a deeper smoky flavor, I choose a smokier BBQ sauce or add a pinch of extra smoked paprika.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I usually add a small splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist. I reheat it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

I often do, and it works well. I just make sure not to overcook them so they stay juicy.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I like prepping the ingredients in advance, but I prefer cooking it fresh so the rice keeps the best texture.

Can I freeze Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?

I freeze it in individual portions for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What vegetables work best in this recipe?

I usually use mixed vegetables, but peas, carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers all work nicely.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

I find it very kid-friendly because of the sweet honey BBQ flavor, and I simply keep the spices mild.

Conclusion

I keep coming back to this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice because it’s dependable, comforting, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of recipe I trust when I want a homemade meal without extra effort. Every time I make it, it reminds me why simple ingredients cooked well can be so satisfying.