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 (thighs or breasts); 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed; 2 cups chicken broth; ½ cup BBQ sauce; ¼ cup honey; 1 tbsp olive or vegetable oil, divided; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup mixed veggies (optional)

I created this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice as a one-pan wonder that’s both comforting and full of flavor—tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a sweet and smoky sauce all come together in about 30 minutes.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how effortless it is—everything cooks in one skillet with minimal hands-on time. The honey and BBQ sauce blend with the rice, infusing every bite with that classic sweet-smoky combo. Plus, I always have most of these pantry staples on hand, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken (thighs are juicier, but breasts work fine)
1 cup long‑grain white rice, rinsed
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup BBQ sauce (choose your preferred flavor)
¼ cup honey
1 tbsp olive or vegetable oil, divided
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup mixed veggies (such as peas, carrots, bell pepper) – optional but adds color and nutrition

Directions

I heat ½ tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. I season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then sear until golden (about 5–7 minutes). I remove and set it aside.
I add the remaining oil, then stir in the rice and toast for 1–2 minutes until it smells nutty.
I pour in chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey, stirring to combine. I nestle the chicken back into the rice.
I bring it to a simmer; reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
In the last 5 minutes, I scatter veggies on top and re-cover; I cook until heated through.
I turn off the heat, let it stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice and serve.

Servings and timing

Makes 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy kick: I add ½ tsp red pepper flakes or use spicy BBQ sauce.
Veggie boost: I like to add bell peppers, corn, or peas—fresh or frozen.
Brown rice: I swap for brown rice sometimes, just extend cooking time and liquid by around 10 minutes.
Instant Pot: I sauté the chicken and rice, then pressure cook for 5 minutes with a 10-minute natural release and stir in veggies afterward.

Storage/reheating

To store: I let it cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat: I add a splash of broth or water and warm it in a skillet over medium-low or microwave it covered.
Tip: The rice texture actually improves after resting overnight.

FAQs

What kind of chicken works best—thighs or breasts?

I prefer thighs since they stay extra juicy, but breasts work too—I just watch the cooking time to avoid drying them out.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Definitely. I use gluten-free BBQ sauce and substitute tamari for soy sauce if needed.

How do I fix soggy or crunchy rice?

If it’s soggy, I uncover it and cook a few more minutes. If it’s crunchy, I may not have sealed the lid tightly—I just cook a bit longer.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! I toss in frozen mixed veg or fresh chopped peppers, carrots, or corn in the last 5 minutes to keep them vibrant.

How can I make it spicier?

I like adding chili flakes, diced jalapeño when toasting the rice, or using a spicy BBQ sauce or cayenne powder.

Conclusion

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a weeknight hero: fast, flavorful, and fuss-free. I love how the rice absorbs that sweet and smoky sauce and the one-pan cleanup. Whether I’m meal prepping or serving guests, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. I hope it becomes a staple in your home too!