Name: Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons honey; 1/2 cup barbecue sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 cups cooked white or brown rice; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish (optional)

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines sweet and smoky BBQ chicken with fluffy rice. It’s easy to make, satisfying, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend meal prep. I love how the richness of the sauce coats the tender chicken, making every bite absolutely delicious. Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I really enjoy how simple this dish is to throw together, yet how impressive it tastes. The balance between the smoky barbecue sauce and the honey creates a glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken. Paired with rice, it becomes a complete and hearty meal. It’s great for feeding a family, and the leftovers are just as good the next day. I also appreciate how customizable it is—easy to tweak to suit whatever I have in the kitchen.

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
Honey
Barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
Soy sauce
Garlic (minced)
Olive oil
Cooked white or brown rice
Salt and pepper
Green onions or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and seasoning them with a bit of salt and pepper.
In a skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat, then add the chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked through.
While the chicken is cooking, I mix honey, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a bowl to create the glaze.
Once the chicken is done, I pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and stir to coat the chicken evenly. I let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
I serve the honey BBQ chicken over a bed of warm cooked rice, garnishing with chopped green onions or parsley if I have some on hand.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. From start to finish, it takes around 30 minutes: 10 minutes for prep and about 20 minutes for cooking.

Variations

I sometimes add steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers to make it more nutritious.
For a spicy kick, I stir in a bit of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce.
I use cauliflower rice when I’m looking for a low-carb version.
Instead of chicken breast, I switch to boneless thighs for a juicier texture.
For extra flavor, I marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place it in the microwave or rewarm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, I add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up while reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this with leftover chicken?

Yes, I can use cooked chicken—just toss it in the sauce and warm it until everything is heated through.

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?

I like using a smoky or spicy-sweet BBQ sauce, but really, any kind that I enjoy will work well in this recipe.

Can I freeze Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?

Yes, I freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the rice for best texture. When ready to eat, I thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Is it okay to use store-bought cooked rice?

Absolutely, using pre-cooked rice is a great time-saver. I just make sure it’s warmed properly before serving.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

I can! I cook the chicken and sauce on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, then serve over freshly cooked rice.

Conclusion

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is one of those reliable meals I turn to when I want something easy, flavorful, and satisfying. The combination of tender chicken coated in a sticky-sweet BBQ glaze over fluffy rice hits all the right notes. Whether I keep it simple or dress it up with vegetables and spice, it’s always a winner on my table.