Name: Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-490792H1M2S
Total time: PT-490792H1M2S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skin‑less chicken breasts or thighs, diced; 1 Tbsp olive oil or butter (for cooking); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves garlic, minced); ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favourite brand); 3 Tbsp honey; Cooked white or brown rice (about 3–4 cups cooked); Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, sesame seeds, chopped parsley; Optional side or mix‑in: steamed veggies (e.g., broccoli, corn, bell pepper)

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Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is one of my favorite quick, satisfying meals when I’m craving something sweet, smoky, and hearty all in one bowl. With tender bites of chicken coated in sticky honey barbecue sauce, served over fluffy rice, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but tastes like something I’d happily serve to guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe hits all the right notes — sweet, tangy, smoky, and comforting. The BBQ sauce caramelizes slightly as it cooks, giving the chicken a delicious glaze, while the honey adds just the right touch of sweetness. It pairs beautifully with rice, making it a complete and filling meal. Plus, it comes together in one pan, which makes cleanup a breeze. 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, diced
Olive oil or butter (for cooking)
Salt and black pepper
Garlic powder or minced garlic
Your favorite BBQ sauce
Honey
Cooked white or brown rice
Optional: green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped parsley for garnish
Optional: steamed veggies (like broccoli or corn) on the side or mixed in

Directions

I season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
I heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked through.
I reduce the heat and stir in the BBQ sauce and honey, letting it simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
I spoon the sticky chicken over warm cooked rice and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or herbs if I want a little extra freshness.
I serve it as is or with a side of vegetables for a more balanced meal.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes around 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even quick lunches.

Variations

I use shredded rotisserie chicken to make it even faster.
I add chopped bell peppers or onions to the skillet for extra flavor and texture.
I use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
I swap honey for maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
I mix in a dash of hot sauce or chipotle powder for a spicier version.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop — I just add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. This recipe is also freezer-friendly; I freeze portions in individual containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

FAQs

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

Yes, I usually do for convenience. I pick a good-quality one with ingredients I like. If I want more control, I mix up my own blend of ketchup, vinegar, honey, and spices.

What kind of rice works best?

I usually go with jasmine or basmati for fluffiness, but brown rice or even quinoa also work well. The rice just needs to be cooked and warm when I serve.

Is this dish spicy?

Not unless I add heat. The basic version is sweet and smoky, but I can always add chili flakes or hot sauce to turn it up.

Can I make this in advance?

Definitely. It stores and reheats beautifully, so I often make extra for lunch the next day. Just keep the chicken and rice separate if I want to keep the texture perfect.

What vegetables go well with it?

I like broccoli, green beans, corn, or even a side salad. I sometimes stir in frozen mixed veggies right before serving for convenience.

Conclusion

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a fast, flavorful meal that always leaves me full and satisfied. With tender chicken glazed in a sweet and smoky sauce, served over a bed of warm rice, it’s comfort food that’s still fresh and flexible. Whether I’m feeding the family or just looking for an easy one-pan dinner, this recipe always comes through.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

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Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a quick, hearty bowl with tender chicken coated in a sticky honey‑barbecue glaze served over fluffy rice — sweet, smoky, satisfying and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Author: Lizaa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course / Bowl
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skin‑less chicken breasts or thighs, diced
1 Tbsp olive oil or butter (for cooking)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves garlic, minced)
½ cup BBQ sauce (your favourite brand)
3 Tbsp honey
Cooked white or brown rice (about 3–4 cups cooked)
Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, sesame seeds, chopped parsley
Optional side or mix‑in: steamed veggies (e.g., broccoli, corn, bell pepper)

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Instructions

Heat the olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt, black pepper and garlic powder (or minced garlic). Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). (Inspired by the method in a honey BBQ chicken rice recipe.) :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Reduce heat to medium, stir in the BBQ sauce and honey. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken nicely. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Spoon the hot cooked rice into bowls or onto plates. Top with the sticky honey BBQ chicken. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds or parsley if desired. Serve with steamed veggies or mix them in for a more balanced bowl.

Notes

You can use diced chicken breasts or thighs — thighs give a juicier result. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Use your favourite BBQ sauce to control the flavour profile (smoky, spicy, sweet). You can tweak the sweetness by adjusting the honey. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Brown rice or cauliflower rice can substitute for white rice for a lower‑carb option.
Leftovers store well for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce becomes too thick.