Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

If you’re looking for a meal that’s cozy, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to pull together, honey BBQ chicken rice is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep on repeat. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory, and pairs beautifully with fluffy rice. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just want something quick but satisfying after a long day, this dish checks all the boxes.

What makes it even better? It’s super customizable. You can use boneless chicken thighs for more richness or lean chicken breasts if you’re keeping it light. The BBQ sauce brings a smoky depth, while the honey cuts through with just the right amount of sweetness. When it all simmers together, it creates this sticky, delicious glaze that coats every bite. Add that to a bed of rice—white, brown, or even cauliflower rice if you’re watching the carbs—and you’ve got a comforting bowl of goodness.

I first tried honey BBQ chicken rice when I was experimenting with pantry staples on a lazy Sunday. I didn’t feel like going grocery shopping but craved something different from the usual stir fry or plain grilled chicken. I threw together some leftover BBQ sauce, a bit of honey, and some basic seasonings, and it turned into a dish that now lives rent-free in my weekly rotation. It’s one of those meals that feels like comfort food but comes together without much fuss.

Plus, it’s great for anyone who likes to meal prep. The flavors actually deepen after a day in the fridge, so leftovers taste even better. You can pack it up for lunch, reheat it for dinner, or even wrap it in a tortilla for a BBQ chicken rice burrito situation—trust me, it’s amazing. Ready to make your kitchen smell like magic? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Bold, Comforting Flavors: The combo of sweet honey and smoky BBQ sauce creates a finger-licking glaze that takes simple chicken and rice to a whole new level.
• Great for Meal Prep: It stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week without it tasting bland or dry.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this one! The sweet and smoky flavor appeals to both kids and adults, so it’s a win-win for family dinners.
• Customizable: Use any type of rice you like, swap the chicken for tofu or shrimp, or add veggies like bell peppers, corn, or green beans to make it your own.

Ingredient List

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce

• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)

For the Rice

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, jasmine, or basmati all work well)
• Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

Ingredient Notes

• BBQ Sauce: I love using a smoky or hickory-style BBQ sauce—it gives the dish that deep, grilled flavor without needing a grill.
• Honey: Go for real honey instead of syrup substitutes; it adds a natural sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Just a splash balances out the sweetness and gives a touch of umami.
• Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts: Thighs are juicier and more forgiving, but breasts work great if you prefer leaner meat.
• Cornstarch Slurry: Totally optional, but it helps thicken the sauce if you like it glossy and sticky.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: For cooking the chicken and simmering the sauce—nonstick or cast iron works great.
• Medium Pot (if cooking rice fresh): To boil or steam your rice. I love using a rice cooker for perfect rice every time.
• Cutting Board + Sharp Knife: For chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces easily and safely.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To get the sauce ratios just right—especially helpful when balancing sweet and tangy flavors.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring the sauce and making sure nothing sticks or burns.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

• Pat your chicken dry with paper towels—this helps it sear better in the pan.
• Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces (about 1 to 1½ inches).
• Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until evenly coated.

Pro Tip: Let the seasoned chicken sit for 5–10 minutes if you have time—it helps the flavor soak in a bit more.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan).
• Cook for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until browned and cooked through.

Pro Tip: Don’t move the chicken too much at first—let it sit for a nice sear and golden edges.

• Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Sauce

• In the same skillet (no need to clean it), reduce the heat to medium.
• Pour in the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine.
• Bring the sauce to a light simmer—this should take about 2–3 minutes.

Pro Tip: If you like a thicker, glossy sauce, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water in a small bowl, then slowly stir it into the simmering sauce.

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Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce

• Add the cooked chicken back into the pan with the sauce.
• Stir well to coat all the pieces evenly.
• Let it simmer together for another 2–3 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavors and the sauce thickens slightly.

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Step 5: Serve It Up

• Scoop your cooked rice into bowls or plates.
• Top with a generous spoonful (or two!) of honey BBQ chicken.
• Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley if desired.

Pro Tip: Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—it reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Cut chicken evenly: Uniform pieces cook more evenly and stay juicy without drying out.
• Don’t skip the sear: Browning the chicken adds so much flavor—get that golden crust before adding it to the sauce.
• Simmer, don’t boil: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to avoid burning the sugars from the honey and BBQ sauce.
• Use day-old rice if possible: It’s less sticky and holds up better when paired with saucy dishes.
• Taste and adjust: Everyone’s BBQ sauce is different—add a little more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness if needed.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• No chicken? Use tofu, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
• Low-sugar version: Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce and reduce or skip the honey.
• Add veggies: Stir in bell peppers, corn, or green beans when you add the chicken back into the sauce.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha to the sauce for heat.
• Swap the rice: Serve over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even mashed potatoes for a fun change.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Bowl Style: Serve the honey BBQ chicken over a warm bed of jasmine or basmati rice—simple and super satisfying.
• With a Side Salad: I love pairing it with a crunchy green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
• BBQ Chicken Wraps: Roll the chicken and rice in a tortilla with some shredded lettuce and cheese for an easy lunch wrap.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers: Scoop the chicken and rice into halved bell peppers, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until bubbly—so good!
• With Roasted Veggies: Serve alongside a tray of roasted carrots, broccoli, or zucchini for a colorful, well-rounded plate.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze the chicken (without rice) in a sealed container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Microwave Reheat: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until hot. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
• Stovetop Reheat: Warm over medium-low heat in a pan with a lid, adding a tablespoon of water to help loosen the sauce.
• Avoid overcooking: Reheat just until warmed through to keep the chicken from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works well—just chop it up and add it to the sauce during the final simmer. You’ll still get all the flavor with less effort.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Totally up to your taste! I like a smoky or hickory-flavored sauce for extra depth, but sweet and spicy blends work great too. Use your favorite brand and adjust the honey as needed.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Is this gluten-free?

It can be! Just make sure your BBQ sauce and soy sauce are gluten-free. You can also swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes—just use a larger pan so the chicken sears properly and nothing gets crowded. It’s a great recipe to scale up for meal prep or family dinners.

How can I make it more veggie-packed?

Add sautéed or steamed veggies like bell peppers, corn, spinach, or peas right into the sauce before serving. It blends in beautifully with the flavors.

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Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub_ or use the hashtag #tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!