If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight dinner that feels hearty but doesn’t leave you buried under a mountain of dirty dishes, this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is your new best friend. Sweet, smoky, and just the right amount of saucy, this one-pan wonder brings together juicy chicken, tender rice, and BBQ flavor that makes your kitchen smell downright irresistible.
And here’s the kicker—it’s ready in about 35 minutes. Yes, ma’am, that’s faster than wrangling the kids into the car for takeout.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- One pan = fewer dishes (praise hands 🙌).
- Balanced: protein, veggies, and carbs all in one meal.
- Family-friendly flavors—kids and adults dig it.
- Ready in just 35 minutes.
I’ll be honest—this dish has been a lifesaver on those “what’s-for-dinner” nights when I’d rather be reading with my kids than standing over a stove. It’s as comforting as it is practical.
What Does Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Taste Like?
Think smoky backyard barbecue vibes mixed with cozy comfort food. The honey balances the tang of BBQ sauce, creating a sweet-and-savory glaze that seeps into the rice. Each bite has that “stick-to-your-ribs” warmth without being heavy. If my Texas roots had a flavor, this might be it.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
One of the best things about Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is how it calls for simple pantry staples—yet when they all come together, the flavor tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Let’s break it down:
Protein (the star of the show):
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts – Thighs stay juicier, but breasts work beautifully if you prefer leaner meat. Just be sure to cut them evenly so they cook through with the rice.
Grains (the base that soaks up all that smoky-sweet goodness):
- 1 cup long-grain rice – Long-grain rice is your best friend here because it cooks fluffy and doesn’t get gummy. Jasmine or basmati rice would also be delicious choices. If you’re a fan of heartier grains, brown rice works too—you’ll just need a little extra liquid and cooking time.
Liquids (what makes the rice tender and flavorful):
- 2 cups chicken broth – This adds way more depth than plain water. If you’re keeping it vegetarian, swap in vegetable broth instead. I love using homemade broth when I can, but store-bought works in a pinch.
Sauces (the magic combo):
- ½ cup BBQ sauce – Go with your favorite. Sweet and smoky for the kids, or bold and spicy if you like heat. This is where you can really make the dish your own.
- ¼ cup honey – Brings balance to the tangy BBQ sauce and creates that irresistible glaze on the chicken and rice.
Spices (the little things that make a big difference):
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika – Don’t skip this! It gives that “grilled over mesquite wood” flavor without leaving your stovetop.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Simple, but essential.
Vegetables (color, nutrients, and balance):
- 1 cup mixed vegetables – I usually grab a frozen medley of peas, carrots, and corn because it saves so much time. But if you’ve got fresh bell peppers, zucchini, or even broccoli on hand, toss those in too.
Garnish (the finishing touch):
- Chopped green onions or parsley – Adds a pop of freshness to balance the smoky-sweet base.
👉 If you love cozy one-pot meals with wholesome ingredients, you might also enjoy my Chicken Meatball Soup—another family-friendly recipe that’s comforting and full of flavor.
How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
The beauty of Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is that it all comes together in one pan, which means less cleanup and more flavor. Let’s walk through it step by step:
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium heat. Add about a tablespoon of olive oil (or any neutral oil you like).
- While the pan warms, season the chicken generously with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken pieces in the hot pan and sear them for 3–4 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step locks in juices and gives the chicken that irresistible BBQ flavor.
- Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked yet—it will finish cooking in the rice later. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
💡 Pro tip: Resist the urge to move the chicken around too much while it sears. Letting it sit helps create that beautiful caramelized crust.
Step 2: Toast the Rice
In the same pan (don’t wipe it clean—you want those flavorful brown bits!), add the uncooked rice.
- Stir it around for 1–2 minutes, allowing the grains to lightly toast. This step gives the rice a slightly nutty flavor and keeps it from turning mushy.
- Next, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—this is pure flavor gold.
Step 3: Stir in the Sauces
Now it’s time to add the heart of the dish:
- Stir in ½ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce and ¼ cup of honey, mixing well with the broth and rice.
- Taste the liquid here—this is your flavor base. If you like it sweeter, add an extra drizzle of honey. If you want more tang, go for another spoonful of BBQ sauce.
This step infuses every single grain of rice with that smoky-sweet taste we love in Honey BBQ Chicken Rice.
Step 4: Nestle the Chicken Back In
Carefully place your seared chicken pieces back into the pan, nestling them into the rice mixture.
- Turn the heat to medium-high until the liquid comes to a gentle boil.
- Once bubbling, immediately reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let everything simmer for 15 minutes.
During this time, the rice cooks and soaks up the BBQ-honey mixture, while the chicken becomes tender and juicy.
Step 5: Add the Vegetables
After the initial simmer, sprinkle your vegetables evenly over the rice.
- If you’re using frozen veggies, no need to thaw—just toss them in.
- Cover again and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the rice is perfectly tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
By adding the veggies toward the end, you keep them vibrant instead of mushy.
Step 6: Rest, Fluff, and Garnish
When the cooking time is done, turn off the heat but let the dish sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This resting step allows the rice to finish steaming and keeps everything fluffy.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork, being careful not to break up the chicken pieces.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh finish.
Serve hot and enjoy the sweet, smoky flavors of your homemade Honey BBQ Chicken Rice.
👉 Looking for another cozy, family-friendly one-pan recipe? You’ll love my Crockpot Creamy Chicken and Potato Soup—it’s another hearty favorite that’s simple to prepare.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Don’t skip the sear—it locks in flavor and gives the chicken that golden crust.
- Stick with long-grain rice—short-grain tends to get mushy here.
- Adjust the sweetness—if you’re not big on sweet BBQ, cut the honey in half.
- Make it smoky—choose a hickory or mesquite BBQ sauce for more depth.
- Swap it up—this recipe works with shrimp, tofu, or even beef strips.
Funny enough, I once doubled the honey by accident (mom brain moment). The kids thought it was “candy chicken,” and honestly… no complaints at the table. 😂
Storage for Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Yes! Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, then reheat with a splash of broth.
- Reheat: Microwave or stovetop—just add a little liquid to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase cooking time by 10–15 minutes and add extra broth.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Totally up to your taste—tangy, smoky, or spicy all work. For family-friendly, I go with classic sweet BBQ.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yep! Swap the chicken with tofu or chickpeas, and use veggie broth.
Conclusion
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is proof that simple dinners don’t have to be boring. It’s cozy, family-approved, and made with pantry staples. So next time you’re short on time but craving something hearty, give this one-pan dish a try.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.
Print
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice – Quick One-Pan Dinner in 35 Minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavor-packed dish featuring juicy chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and perfectly seasoned rice—all cooked in one pan for a hassle-free meal! It’s an easy homemade recipe that delivers bold, sweet, and smoky flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- Chopped green onions or parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add a drizzle of oil to the pan and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey.
6. Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture.
7. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
8. After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice.
9. Cover again and continue cooking for 5 more minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
10. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice.
11. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot!
Notes
Use long-grain rice for the best texture—short-grain may become mushy.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey based on your preference.
For extra smokiness, use a mesquite or hickory BBQ sauce.
Swap the protein—this recipe works well with shrimp, tofu, or even beef!
