Name: Quick & Healthy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 cups cooked white or brown rice; 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (smoky or spicy preferred); 2 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 cups steamed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, corn, bell peppers); Optional: chopped green onions or sesame seeds for garnish

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This Quick & Healthy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a fast, flavorful meal that balances sweet, smoky BBQ flavors with wholesome ingredients. Tender chicken coated in a sticky honey BBQ glaze, served over fluffy rice with veggies, makes for a simple yet satisfying dish that I can whip up in minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s everything I want in a weeknight dinner: quick, healthy, and full of bold flavor. The sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce gives the chicken irresistible caramelization, while the rice and veggies make it a complete, filling meal. I can customize it with whatever I have in the fridge, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes. Quick & Healthy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Cooked white or brown rice
Honey
BBQ sauce (my favorite smoky or spicy kind)
Olive oil
Garlic powder
Paprika
Salt and black pepper
Steamed vegetables (like broccoli, corn, or bell peppers)
Optional: green onions or sesame seeds for topping

Directions

I start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
I heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes depending on the size.
While the chicken cooks, I mix honey and BBQ sauce in a small bowl.
Once the chicken is cooked through, I pour the honey BBQ mixture over it and stir to coat. I let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
I serve the glazed chicken over a bed of cooked rice, adding steamed vegetables on the side or mixed in.
I finish it off with a sprinkle of green onions or sesame seeds when I want extra flavor and texture.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s one of my go-to options when I need something quick, delicious, and balanced.

Variations

Sometimes I use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter base.
I mix in pineapple chunks for a tropical, sweet-savory twist.
When I want more heat, I add hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the BBQ sauce.
I swap the chicken for tofu or shrimp when I want to switch up the protein.
If I’m meal prepping, I divide everything into containers with a variety of vegetables for a week of ready-to-go lunches.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce thickens too much, I stir in a splash of water before reheating to bring it back to the right consistency. Quick & Healthy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

FAQs

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

Yes, I use my favorite store-bought BBQ sauce all the time. I just make sure to pick one with clean ingredients and the flavor profile I like best—whether smoky, spicy, or sweet.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Definitely. I prep a batch on Sunday, portion it into containers, and have lunches ready for several days. The sauce keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful even after reheating.

Can I make it in the oven or air fryer?

Yes, I sometimes bake or air-fry the chicken and then toss it in the honey BBQ sauce at the end for the same sticky finish.

What kind of vegetables work best?

I use whatever I have—broccoli, green beans, bell peppers, carrots, or corn. Fresh or frozen both work great in this recipe.

Can I make it without honey?

If I’m avoiding added sugar, I use a sugar-free BBQ sauce or swap the honey for a natural alternative like maple syrup or a small amount of orange juice concentrate.

Conclusion

Quick & Healthy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is one of those meals I turn to when I want something easy, delicious, and nourishing. The sweet BBQ glaze, juicy chicken, and hearty rice make for a comforting combo that never disappoints. Whether I’m cooking for the family or prepping lunch for the week, it’s always a hit.

Quick & Healthy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

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Quick & Healthy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a fast and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken coated in a sweet, smoky glaze, served over rice with vegetables. It’s a balanced, customizable meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Author: Lizaa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1/3 cup BBQ sauce (smoky or spicy preferred)
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups steamed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, corn, bell peppers)
Optional: chopped green onions or sesame seeds for garnish

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Instructions

Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, or until golden and fully cooked.
In a small bowl, mix honey and BBQ sauce.
Pour sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat and let simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened and sticky.
Serve chicken over cooked rice, with steamed vegetables on the side or mixed in.
Top with green onions or sesame seeds if desired and serve hot.