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Honey BBQ chicken rice

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Medium Pot (if cooking rice fresh)
  • Cutting board & sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula

Ingredients
  

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Notes

Estimated Nutritional Value (Per serving)

  • Calories: ~450–500 kcal
  • Protein: ~30g
  • Carbohydrates: ~45g
  • Fat: ~18g
  • Fiber: ~1–2g
  • Sugar: ~15–20g 
  • Sodium: ~600–800mg
 
Share your thoughts! Rate and comment below if you tried this recipe.
 
Nutrition Disclaimer:
The nutritional information provided on this website is an estimate only and is intended for general guidance. We cannot guarantee its accuracy and recommend consulting a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice.
Keyword chicken and rice recipe, honey bbq chicken rice