Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Versatile: I love how this meal fits any occasion. Whether I’m just feeding myself after a long day or hosting friends, it’s always a hit.
Budget-Friendly: Everything I need is already in my pantry or fridge—no fancy ingredients or expensive store runs.
Quick and Easy: I don’t have to be a chef to pull this off. The directions are simple, and I’m in and out of the kitchen in no time.
Customizable: Sometimes I spice it up with chili flakes, and other times I keep it mild for the kids. Either way, it’s always delicious.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves it. The sweet honey BBQ sauce really brings people back for seconds (and thirds).

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

• Cooked white or brown rice

• Honey

• Your favorite BBQ sauce

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Paprika

• Salt and pepper

• Olive oil or cooking spray

• Optional: chopped green onions for garnish

Directions

1. I start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and seasoning them with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Then I heat a skillet over medium heat, add some oil, and cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through.

3. While the chicken is cooking, I mix honey and BBQ sauce in a bowl to make that irresistible glaze.

4. Once the chicken is ready, I pour the sauce over it and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.

5. I spoon the hot cooked rice onto plates and top it with that sticky, saucy chicken. A sprinkle of green onions on top is the perfect finishing touch.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Variations

• Make it spicy: I sometimes add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ glaze for a little kick.

• Go low-carb: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or serve it over a bed of greens.

• Try different proteins: I’ve made this with shredded rotisserie chicken, and it worked great. Even tofu would be a fun twist.

• Add veggies: Stir-fried bell peppers, corn, or broccoli go really well with the honey BBQ flavor.

• Swap the grain: I occasionally switch things up with quinoa or couscous instead of rice.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, I microwave it in short intervals until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the rice feels dry.
If I want to reheat on the stove, I add a little water or extra BBQ sauce to keep things saucy.

FAQs

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

I swap the chicken for tofu or a plant-based meat alternative and use the same glaze—it still tastes amazing.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, I’ve used rotisserie chicken before. I just shred it and warm it up in the sauce before serving over rice.

What type of BBQ sauce works best?

I like a thick, smoky BBQ sauce for this recipe, but sweet or spicy ones also work depending on my mood.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often cook the chicken and glaze in advance, then reheat and serve over fresh rice when ready.

Is it freezer-friendly?

Yes, I freeze the chicken and sauce in a container and cook fresh rice when I want to serve it later.

Conclusion

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is the kind of dish I love coming home to. It’s warm, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make with ingredients I always have on hand. Whether I’m craving comfort food or need a quick fix for dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes. Try it once, and I think it’ll find a permanent spot in your meal rotation too.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

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This easy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe is a weeknight favorite packed with juicy chicken glazed in sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, served over fluffy rice. It’s a quick, budget-friendly comfort food meal perfect for families or meal prep.

• Author: Mayaa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
• Optional: chopped green onions for garnish

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Instructions

1. Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes).
3. In a bowl, mix honey and BBQ sauce to create the glaze.
4. Pour the glaze over the chicken and let simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
5. Serve chicken over warm rice. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

• Spice it up with red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with tofu or plant-based protein.
• Great with added veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or corn.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat with a splash of water or extra sauce to maintain moisture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 70mg