Get ready to fall in love with the sweet, tangy, and savory flavors of Honey BBQ Chicken Rice! This dish brings together juicy chicken morsels coated in a sticky honey BBQ glaze, served atop fluffy white rice and finished with a vibrant sprinkle of green onions, cheddar cheese, and fresh parsley. It’s one of those effortlessly impressive recipes, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, that comes together quickly but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long, fancy shopping list for Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. Each ingredient has a simple but crucial role to play, from keeping the dish moist and flavorful to adding eye-catching color and irresistible texture.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Diced for quick cooking and tender bites throughout the dish.
Long-grain white rice: The fluffy base that soaks up all that sweet and smoky sauce.
Chicken broth: Adds a rich, savory depth to the rice—so much tastier than water alone!
Honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps to create that crave-worthy sticky glaze.
BBQ sauce: Use your favorite for bold smoky flavor—it’s the backbone of the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice.
Olive oil: Keeps the chicken juicy and adds a hint of richness.
Smoked paprika: Delivers subtle warmth and a beautiful color to the chicken.
Garlic powder: Punches up the savory notes without overpowering the sauce.
Onion powder: Partners with garlic for even more robust flavor.
Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony.
Green onions: Sliced thin for a fresh, poppy crunch and a hit of color.
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Melts over the warm chicken and rice, adding a layer of creamy goodness—totally optional, but so good.
Fresh parsley: A quick sprinkle at the end goes a long way in making everything look extra inviting.

How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced chicken, then season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a good pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown on all sides and cooked through—usually about 6 to 8 minutes. The seasoning brings out the chicken’s best flavor right from the start!

Step 2: Make the Honey BBQ Glaze

While the chicken cooks, whisk honey and BBQ sauce together in a small bowl. Once the chicken is done, pour this sweet and smoky mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat each piece evenly, and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce will thicken lightly and turn irresistibly glossy.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

In a separate medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the long-grain white rice, pop a lid on the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook undisturbed for about 18 to 20 minutes, until all the broth is absorbed and the rice is pillowy and tender. Don’t peek until the end—trapping the steam makes all the difference!

Step 4: Assemble the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Once the rice is ready, fluff it gently with a fork and spoon it onto plates or a serving platter. Pile the sticky honey BBQ chicken on top, making sure to get every drop of that sauce. Sprinkle generously with sliced green onions, a handful of shredded cheddar cheese if you like it creamy, and a little fresh parsley for that final touch.

How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Garnishes

Down to the finishing touches! Green onions and parsley aren’t just for looks—they add freshness and a faint crunch that balances the rich flavors beautifully. If you want a creamy, melty finish, shredded cheddar cheese melts instantly over the hot chicken and rice. Make it your own: try thin slices of red chili or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a hint of contrast, too.

Side Dishes

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is pretty satisfying all on its own, but it’s also wonderful paired with simple sides. Steamed broccoli, roasted corn, or a crisp, tangy coleslaw balance the sweet flavors and add more color. Even a light green salad with a citrus dressing will do the trick—easy, breezy, and totally delicious.

Creative Ways to Present

Amp up the presentation by serving Honey BBQ Chicken Rice in individual bowls, layered like a mini rice bowl. Want to impress dinner guests? Try scooping the rice into colorful bell pepper halves or stuffing it inside hollowed-out squash for a fun twist. This also makes for a pretty buffet option if you’re serving a crowd!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a dream with Honey BBQ Chicken Rice! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld together even more after a night in the fridge, making your next-day lunch extra special.

Freezing

If you want to make this dish ahead, go ahead and freeze portioned-out servings in freezer-safe containers. Let them cool to room temperature first—this helps retain the texture. The rice and chicken hold up really well and can last for up to two months in the freezer.

Reheating

Reheating is easy! For best results, sprinkle a splash of water over the rice before microwaving to restore its fluffiness. Reheat in short bursts, stirring occasionally until hot. The chicken stays juicy and saucy, and the aroma is just as tempting the second time around.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as delicious—possibly even more tender and flavorful. Simply dice them as you would breasts and proceed with the recipe as written.

Is there a way to make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice spicier?

Of course! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to your honey BBQ glaze. You can also throw in diced jalapeños or chili flakes to the chicken while it cooks for an extra hit of heat.

Can I substitute brown rice or another grain?

Yes, you can swap in brown rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa. Just note that brown rice takes a bit longer to cook, so adjust the timing and liquid as needed.

What’s the best type of BBQ sauce for this dish?

Use your favorite BBQ sauce! If you prefer smoky, pick a hickory-style sauce. Love it sweet? Opt for a honey or brown sugar-based BBQ sauce. The dish is wonderfully adaptable to your personal taste.

Can Honey BBQ Chicken Rice be made dairy-free?

Definitely. Just skip the cheddar cheese topping; everything else is naturally dairy-free. For a little creamy factor, top with avocado or a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative.

Final Thoughts

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is honestly one of those cozy, feel-good recipes that you’ll keep turning to again and again. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself to something extra tasty, don’t hesitate to give it a try—you’re going to be amazed at how easy and satisfying this dish is!

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 11 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: NonVegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and easy-to-make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe that combines tender chicken in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce served over fluffy white rice.

Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add diced chicken, season with spices, and cook until golden brown and cooked through.
Make the Honey BBQ Sauce: Whisk together honey and BBQ sauce, pour over chicken, and simmer until thickened.
Cook the Rice: In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil, add rice, cover, and simmer until tender and liquid is absorbed.
Assemble: Fluff the rice, spoon onto plates, top with the honey BBQ chicken, green onions, cheese, and parsley.
Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!