Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a hearty, sweet-and-savory dish that brings together tender chicken coated in sticky honey barbecue sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice with vegetables. It’s bold, comforting, and perfect when I want a simple yet flavor-packed meal that feels both homemade and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy this recipe is to throw together while still tasting like something special. The honey BBQ sauce gives the chicken a sweet, smoky glaze that pairs perfectly with rice. It’s great for weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. I also like how flexible it is—I can serve it in bowls, wraps, or even lettuce cups.

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, diced
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cooked white or brown rice
• Mixed vegetables (like corn, peas, bell pepper, or carrots)
• Green onions or parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the honey BBQ sauce:

• BBQ sauce (my favorite brand or homemade)
• Honey
• Soy sauce (optional, for added depth)
• Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (for balance)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Directions

1. I start by seasoning the diced chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through.
3. While the chicken cooks, I whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and a splash of vinegar to make the glaze.
4. Once the chicken is done, I pour the sauce over it and simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens and coats the chicken.
5. In a separate pan (or the same one after removing the chicken), I sauté the mixed vegetables just until tender.
6. I spoon warm rice into bowls or plates, top with the honey BBQ chicken and sautéed vegetables, then garnish with green onions or parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so I usually have it ready in 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I use grilled chicken for a smoky flavor or swap in shredded rotisserie chicken to save time. I also like using cauliflower rice for a lighter option. To make it extra creamy, I drizzle a little ranch or garlic aioli over the top. And when I want more texture, I sprinkle in toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. For meal prep, I portion out the rice, chicken, and veggies into containers. When reheating, I microwave everything together until hot, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to keep it moist. It also reheats well in a skillet over medium heat.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

Yes, I usually use my favorite store-bought sauce and mix in honey for sweetness. I adjust the flavor with vinegar or soy sauce if needed.

What veggies work best for this dish?

I like using frozen mixed vegetables, but fresh bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, or broccoli all work great.

Can I make it spicy?

Definitely. I add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or use a spicy BBQ sauce to give it some heat.

Is this good for meal prep?

Yes, it holds up really well. I store the rice and chicken together or separately, and it tastes great reheated.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Absolutely. Grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor that pairs really well with the honey BBQ sauce. I slice it up and toss it in the sauce afterward.

Conclusion

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is one of those meals I always go back to when I need something simple, flavorful, and filling. The sweet-and-smoky sauce, juicy chicken, and fluffy rice come together in a way that hits every craving. Whether I’m making dinner for the family or prepping meals for the week, this dish is always a winner.

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