Hey y'all! If you're on the hunt for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal, this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is about to be your new favorite go-to. Imagine tender chicken tossed in a smoky-sweet honey BBQ sauce, served over fluffy, perfectly steamed rice. It's that tasty combo of sticky, juicy, and savory everyone craves—perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or even when you're just hungry for something downright delicious. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Quick prep: Ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish.
- Bursting with flavor: The honey BBQ sauce brings a mouthwatering, sweet-savory kick.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults both love it—no separate meals required!
- Versatile: Works great for meal prep, parties, or weeknight dinners.
- Simple ingredients: Pantry staples come together for fuss-free cooking.
Ingredients for Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (cubed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup honey BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade see recipe)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or long grain white rice
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped (optional garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and pat dry with paper towels for ultimate searing.
- Season chicken evenly with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/74°C). Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Honey BBQ Sauce
- In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Stir in the honey BBQ sauce, honey, and soy sauce. Whisk to combine, scraping up any browned bits for maximum flavor.
- Return chicken to the skillet, toss to coat thoroughly. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce is sticky and glossy.
Step 4: Serve It Up!
- Divide the warm, cooked rice among serving bowls.
- Spoon generous portions of honey BBQ chicken over rice, drizzle extra sauce on top, and sprinkle with green onions & sesame seeds if desired.
Notes & Tips for Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- For extra-tender chicken, marinate cubes in BBQ sauce for 30 minutes before cooking (see marinating tips).
- Try using brown rice or quinoa for a wholesome twist and added fiber.
- Don't overcook the chicken—use a meat thermometer to ensure juicy results.
Variations for Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Spicy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice: Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeno to the sauce.
- Grilled Honey BBQ Chicken Rice: Grill the seasoned chicken cubes for a smoky, charred flavor before tossing with sauce and serving over rice.
- Veggie-Packed Honey BBQ Chicken Rice: Sauté bell peppers, onions, or broccoli with the chicken for a colorful, extra-nutritious touch.
Equipment Needed for Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Large nonstick skillet
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Rice cooker or saucepan for rice
Storage & Shelf Life for Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To reheat: Microwave individual portions with a splash of water, covered, until warmed through.
- Not recommended for freezing, as rice texture may change.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Pair with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted sweet corn.
- Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce or serve with a side of creamy coleslaw.
- Enjoy alongside iced tea or a citrusy sparkling drink for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Use day-old rice for fluffier texture that soaks up all the saucy goodness (learn why here).
- Taste your sauce and adjust honey or soy sauce for perfect balance.
- Let the sauce simmer with the chicken for a few minutes to achieve that rich, sticky coating.
Frequently Asked Questions about Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
- Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work great in this recipe; just cook an additional 2-3 minutes as needed.
- Is this dish gluten-free?
- It can be—just make sure your BBQ sauce and soy sauce are both certified gluten-free.
- Can I make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice ahead of time?
- Yes! Prepare and store the chicken and rice separately, then combine and reheat for best results.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4 generous portions
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
Instructions
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1In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce and honey until well combined.
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2Season chicken pieces with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
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3Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
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4Pour the honey barbecue sauce over the cooked chicken. Stir to coat all pieces and simmer for 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
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5Serve the honey BBQ chicken over a bed of hot cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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