Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and hearty dish that brings together sweet, smoky, and savory in every bite. I like to grill or pan-sear tender chicken breasts, glaze them with a sticky honey BBQ sauce, and serve them over a bed of fluffy, seasoned rice. It’s one of those comforting meals I can throw together quickly, and it always hits the spot—whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or part of a meal prep routine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe balances simplicity and flavor. The honey BBQ glaze gives the chicken a rich, caramelized finish, while the seasoned rice adds the perfect base to soak up all that extra sauce. It’s quick, easy to make, and satisfying. Plus, it’s a flexible dish—I can switch up the protein or add veggies without much fuss.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups water or chicken broth
1 tablespoon butter (optional)
Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Directions
I start by mixing the BBQ sauce and honey in a small bowl and set it aside.
Then, I season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
In a skillet or grill pan, I heat olive oil over medium heat.
I cook the chicken for about 5–7 minutes on each side, until it’s cooked through and golden brown.
Once the chicken is almost done, I brush on the honey BBQ sauce and let it cook for another 2–3 minutes until nicely glazed. Then I let it rest.
While the chicken is cooking, I bring water or broth to a boil in a saucepan, add rice and butter, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until tender.
I fluff the rice with a fork and serve it topped with slices of the honey BBQ chicken.
I like to garnish it with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Servings and timing
Servings: 2 plates
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
Sometimes I swap out chicken breasts for thighs when I want a juicier bite. If I have time, I marinate the chicken in the BBQ sauce for 30 minutes before cooking—it deepens the flavor. I’ve also added grilled bell peppers or corn to the rice to make it more filling, and it works great.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I usually microwave it in short bursts with a splash of water to keep the rice moist, or warm it up in a covered pan over low heat. It’s a great meal to prep ahead.
FAQs
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
I make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer. The juices should also run clear when I cut into it.
Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, I’ve tried it with jasmine, basmati, and even brown rice. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid depending on the rice type.
Is it okay to bake the chicken instead of pan-searing?
Absolutely. I’ve baked the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes. I still glaze it with the sauce in the last few minutes of baking.
Can I make this dish spicy?
For sure. I add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the BBQ mix if I want a spicy kick.
What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
I usually go for a smoky or hickory-flavored BBQ sauce, but any favorite brand will work. I sometimes use a homemade one too.
Conclusion
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is one of those go-to recipes I keep coming back to. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and always leaves me feeling satisfied. Whether I’m cooking for myself or sharing it with someone else, it’s a dish that always delivers.
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines tender grilled or baked chicken glazed in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, served over a bed of seasoned rice. Perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups water or chicken broth
1 tablespoon butter (optional)
Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix BBQ sauce and honey. Set aside.
Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and lightly browned.
Brush honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until glazed. Remove from heat and let rest.
In a saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Add rice and butter, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender.
Fluff rice with a fork and serve topped with sliced honey BBQ chicken.
Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
You can use store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce.
Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
