A sweet and smoky one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor! This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is an easy, comforting dish perfect for weeknights. Juicy chicken, tender rice, and a rich honey BBQ glaze make every bite irresistible!
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Chopped green onions or parsley (optional, for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Sear the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the BBQ Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce and honey.
3️⃣ Cook the Rice
- Add the rice and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet.
- Pour the honey BBQ sauce over the chicken.
4️⃣ Simmer to Perfection
- Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and let simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
5️⃣ Add the Vegetables
🔸 In the last 5 minutes, add the mixed vegetables on top (don’t stir). Cover again and finish cooking.
6️⃣ Fluff & Serve
🔸 Once done, fluff the rice and serve warm.
🔸 Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley (if desired).
🔥 Enjoy this sweet, smoky, and savory dish with your favorite sides!
30 Popular Questions & Answers ❓🍗
1️⃣ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs are juicier and more flavorful.
2️⃣ Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes and add ½ cup more broth.
3️⃣ What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Any BBQ sauce works, but honey BBQ, hickory-smoked, or spicy BBQ are great choices.
4️⃣ Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all ingredients and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
5️⃣ Can I use instant rice?
Yes! Use 1 ½ cups of instant rice, reduce broth to 1 ½ cups, and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
6️⃣ Can I make this spicy?
Absolutely! Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
7️⃣ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
8️⃣ How do I reheat it?
Microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.
9️⃣ Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
🔟 What vegetables work best?
Frozen mixed veggies, bell peppers, corn, peas, or green beans.
1️⃣1️⃣ Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but adjust cooking time to 25-30 minutes.
1️⃣2️⃣ Can I add cheese?
Yes! Sprinkle shredded cheddar or pepper jack on top before serving.
1️⃣3️⃣ What can I serve with it?
Cornbread, a fresh salad, or garlic bread.
1️⃣4️⃣ Can I cook this in the oven?
Yes! Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes in a casserole dish.
1️⃣5️⃣ Can I add beans?
Yes! Black beans or kidney beans add extra protein.
1️⃣6️⃣ What if my rice is still hard?
Add ¼ cup more broth, cover, and cook for another 5 minutes.
1️⃣7️⃣ Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Add cooked chicken in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
1️⃣8️⃣ How do I make this healthier?
Use low-sodium BBQ sauce and swap white rice for quinoa.
1️⃣9️⃣ Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Use a larger pan and double all ingredients.
2️⃣0️⃣ Can I add pineapple?
Yes! Diced pineapple adds a sweet tropical twist.
2️⃣1️⃣ Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey or turkey breast work great.
2️⃣2️⃣ How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Sear it first, and don’t overcook it.
2️⃣3️⃣ Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
2️⃣4️⃣ Can I add bacon?
Absolutely! Crumbled bacon adds smoky richness.
2️⃣5️⃣ Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use manual pressure cook for 10 minutes, then quick release.
2️⃣6️⃣ What’s the best way to cut chicken for this?
Use bite-sized chunks for quicker cooking.
2️⃣7️⃣ How can I thicken the sauce?
Let the dish sit for 5 minutes after cooking; the rice absorbs extra liquid.
2️⃣8️⃣ Can I use fresh herbs?
Yes! Fresh thyme or cilantro add a nice touch.
2️⃣9️⃣ What’s a good drink pairing?
Sweet tea, lemonade, or a cold beer!
3️⃣0️⃣ Can I make this in a wok?
Yes! A deep skillet or wok works perfectly.
30 Tips to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Even More Delightful 🍗🔥
Chicken Tips
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Sear the chicken well to develop a crispy crust.
- Cut chicken into cubes for faster cooking.
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick meal.
Rice Tips
- Toast the rice in a little butter before adding broth for more flavor.
- Use jasmine rice for a fragrant twist.
- Try cooking with coconut milk for a richer taste.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork to keep it light.
- If the rice is too wet, let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
Sauce Tips
- Mix in a spoonful of mustard for tangy depth.
- Add a splash of soy sauce for umami flavor.
- Use homemade BBQ sauce for a personal touch.
- Drizzle extra honey BBQ sauce on top before serving.
- Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes before adding it to deepen flavors.
Extra Add-Ins
- Add sautéed onions for sweetness.
- Toss in bell peppers for color and crunch.
- Top with avocado slices for a creamy finish.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds for a nutty taste.
- Mix in black beans or corn for Tex-Mex style.
🔥 Now go make the best Honey BBQ Chicken Rice ever! 🍯🍗✨