Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice came to life on one of those nonstop weeknights when takeout felt tempting, but I still wanted something homemade and comforting.
I craved the sweet, smoky flavors of a summer cookout without firing up a grill or spending hours in the kitchen. That’s when this one-skillet dinner became my go-to solution. Everything cooks in a single pan, which means fewer dishes and more time to actually enjoy dinner. The chicken turns golden and sticky, the rice soaks up every bit of that bold BBQ sauce, and the whole kitchen smells incredible. This is the kind of easy, satisfying meal my family asks for again and again, especially when life feels busy and dinner still needs to feel special.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
- One-skillet dinner: You sear, simmer, and finish everything in the same pan, so cleanup stays quick.
- Big BBQ flavor: The honey BBQ glaze turns sticky and bold, and the rice absorbs that smoky, tangy sauce.
- Weeknight-friendly: You get a meal that tastes like you planned ahead, even when you start at the last minute.
- Pantry staples: You can pull this together with everyday ingredients, which saves stress and grocery runs.
- Easy to customize: You can use thighs for extra juiciness, breasts for a leaner bite, and whatever veggies you need to use up.
- Family-approved: Kids love the sweet-savory combo, and adults love the balance and the minimal effort.
Ingredients for Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
This dish is all about using smart, simple ingredients to build bold flavor. You probably have most of these in your kitchen already, and every component plays a role in making the final dish feel hearty, balanced, and satisfying.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts – Cut into 1-inch pieces. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving, especially during simmering. Learn more about the difference between chicken thighs and breasts and when to use each from Serious Eats.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice – Be sure to rinse it under cold water until it runs clear. This step removes excess starch and keeps the rice from turning gummy. Here’s a helpful guide on how to rinse rice properly.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth – Using broth instead of water adds savory depth to the dish and helps carry the BBQ flavor into every bite.
- ½ cup BBQ sauce – Go for a mesquite or smoky style to amp up the flavor, but feel free to use your favorite.
- ¼ cup honey – Brings out the sweetness in the BBQ sauce and helps it caramelize beautifully.
- 1 cup mixed vegetables – Frozen peas, carrots, and corn work great. If you’re curious about how to cook frozen vegetables properly, this Bon Appétit article offers excellent tips.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil – Divided: one tablespoon for searing, one for toasting rice.
- Spice mix:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 green onions (optional) – Sliced thin for freshness and color.
Want another flavorful dinner built on everyday ingredients? Try my Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast or this Creamy Ranch Chicken—both are reader favorites and just as weeknight-worthy.
Equipment You’ll Need
You don’t need any special gadgets for Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice. A few solid basics help you get evenly cooked rice, well-browned chicken, and a quick cleanup.
- Large skillet or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid – The lid traps steam, so the rice cooks evenly and stays tender.
- Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula – Use it to scrape up browned bits after searing, since those add big flavor to the rice.
- Chef’s knife + cutting board – Cutting the chicken into even pieces helps everything finish at the same time.
- Measuring cups and spoons – This keeps the sauce-to-rice ratio consistent, so you don’t end up with dry rice or a soupy pan.
- Fine-mesh strainer – It makes rinsing rice fast and clean, which helps the grains cook up fluffy instead of sticky.
If you love easy, low-mess dinners like this one, you may also want to bookmark my Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Recipe for another weeknight-friendly favorite.
How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Prep the chicken and seasonings
Cut the chicken into bite-size, even pieces so it cooks fast and stays tender. Mix your garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Seasoning first keeps the flavor consistent in every bite, and it helps the chicken brown better.
Step 2: Sear the chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sprinkle on about half the seasoning. Let it sear without stirring for a few minutes so it develops a golden crust, then flip and brown the other side. Move the chicken to a plate once it looks nicely browned. That quick sear builds the “BBQ cookout” flavor without a grill. For extra confidence on timing and safe doneness, you can follow the USDA’s guidance on safe minimum internal temperature for chicken (165°F).
Step 3: Toast the rice
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the rinsed rice and the rest of the seasoning. Stir for 1–2 minutes until the rice smells lightly nutty and the grains look a bit more translucent. This step boosts flavor and helps the rice hold its texture.
Step 4: Simmer, add vegetables, and rest
Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Stir well and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, because that’s where the deep flavor lives. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Nestle the chicken back into the rice, cover tightly, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Quickly scatter the vegetables over the top, cover again, and cook 5 more minutes. Then turn off the heat and let the skillet rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve hot.
If you want another cozy dinner that relies on one-pan flavor building, try my Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta or this weeknight staple, Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps.
Tips for Perfect Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
You can make Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice on autopilot once you know a few small moves that protect texture and boost that sticky glaze.
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. This keeps the rice fluffy instead of sticky.
- Sear in a single layer. Give the chicken space so it browns instead of steaming.
- Use a tight lid and keep it closed. Steam cooks the rice evenly, so lifting the lid can leave you with uneven grains.
- Simmer gently, not aggressively. Low heat helps the rice absorb the sauce without scorching the bottom.
- Add veggies near the end. They stay bright and don’t turn soft.
- Let it rest covered for 5 minutes. That short rest finishes the rice and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Taste at the end and balance. If it tastes too sweet, add a small splash of vinegar or a pinch of salt to sharpen the BBQ notes.
| Issue | Quick Fix |
|---|---|
| Rice feels undercooked | Add 2–4 tbsp broth or water, cover, and simmer 3–5 minutes more. |
| Rice looks too wet | Turn off heat, keep covered 8–10 minutes, then fluff. |
| Chicken dries out | Use thighs next time, and don’t over-simmer after returning chicken to the pan. |
| Sauce tastes too sweet | Cut honey next time, or stir in a small splash of vinegar at the end. |
If you want another easy dinner where one smart technique makes everything taste richer, my Crispy Garlic Chicken Noodles uses the same idea: build flavor early, then let the pan do the work.
Variations and Substitutions
Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice works because the method stays steady, even when you swap ingredients. These options help you match what you have on hand while keeping the flavor bold and the rice tender.
- Swap the veggies: Use frozen peas and carrots, corn, broccoli florets, chopped zucchini, or diced bell peppers. Add tender veggies near the end so they keep their bite.
- Make it spicier: Choose a spicy BBQ sauce, or stir in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
- Make it less sweet: Cut the honey in half, then taste after simmering. Add a small splash of apple cider vinegar at the end if you want more tang.
- No chicken broth: Use water and add an extra pinch of salt, or use vegetable broth if you have it.
- Use brown rice: Add about 1/3 more liquid and plan for extra cook time. Keep the lid closed and let the rice fully soften before adding veggies.
- Change the protein: Try turkey breast chunks, smoked sausage slices, or shrimp (add shrimp at the very end so it stays tender).
- Boost the “BBQ” vibe: Stir in a spoonful of tomato paste while the rice toasts, or add a dash of smoked paprika if you want deeper smokiness.
If you want more weeknight dinners that handle swaps well, try my Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps when you need something handheld, or keep Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast on standby for a simple, reliable main.
Serving Suggestions
Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice already eats like a full meal, but the right side dish can sharpen the flavors and make dinner feel a little more complete without adding much work.
- Add something crisp and fresh: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the sweet-smoky sauce and keeps the plate feeling balanced.
- Go veggie-forward: Serve it with roasted broccoli, green beans, or a quick sautéed zucchini to add color and texture.
- Bring in something bread-y: Warm garlic bread or a soft dinner roll helps you scoop up extra sauce from the skillet.
- Top it like a bowl: Sprinkle sliced green onions, a little shredded cheddar, or a squeeze of lime for brightness.
- Make it party-friendly: Spoon it into a big serving dish and let everyone build their own plates, family-style.
If you’re planning a comfort-food dinner spread, pair it with something creamy like my Loaded Potato Soup Recipe for a cozy combo, or serve a lighter side next to it like my guide on What to Serve with Chicken Noodle Soup since those salad and veggie ideas work here too.
Storing and Reheating Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
If you end up with leftovers, you’re in luck. Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice holds up well, and the flavors taste even more blended the next day.
- Store it safely: Let the skillet cool, then transfer portions to an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave: Add a small splash of broth or water to loosen the rice, then heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each round until hot.
- Reheat on the stove: Warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water. Stir gently so the rice heats evenly and the chicken stays tender.
- Avoid dry chicken: Keep the heat low and add moisture early. High heat can tighten the chicken fast.
- Freeze if you want: Freeze in flat, labeled portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat with a splash of broth.
If you like meal-prep dinners that reheat well, my High Protein Chicken Noodle Soup also stores beautifully for busy weeks.
FAQs About Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it needs more time and a little more liquid. Add about 1/3 more broth, keep the lid on, and simmer longer until the rice turns tender. Then add the vegetables near the end so they don’t overcook.
How can I make this less sweet?
Cut the honey in half, then taste once the rice finishes cooking. You can also pick a tangier BBQ sauce, or stir in a small splash of apple cider vinegar at the end to sharpen the flavor and balance the sweetness.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can use water in a pinch. Add an extra pinch of salt, and consider a little garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth. Vegetable broth also works well if you have it on hand.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Cook it fully, cool it, and store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to loosen the rice and keep the chicken tender.
Conclusion
Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice earns its spot in your weeknight lineup because it delivers cookout-style flavor with real-life convenience. You get golden, glazed chicken, tender rice that soaks up every smoky-sweet drop, and a full meal that comes together in one skillet. You can keep it classic, cut the sweetness, switch the veggies, or prep it ahead for busy days without losing that cozy, craveable vibe. When you need dinner to feel comforting but you don’t have the time or energy for a big production, this is the recipe that shows up for you every time.
Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix seasonings: Combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Rinse rice: Rinse under cold water until the water runs clear; drain well.
- Sear chicken: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with half the spice mix. Sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden; transfer to a plate.
- Toast rice: Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tbsp oil, then rice and remaining spice mix. Stir 1–2 minutes until lightly nutty.
- Add liquids: Pour in broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Stir and scrape browned bits. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low. Nestle chicken back into the pan. Cover tightly and simmer 15 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Scatter vegetables on top, cover again, and cook 5 minutes more.
- Rest and serve: Remove from heat and rest covered 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and garnish with green onions.