Name: Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces); 1.5 cups long-grain white rice; 3 cups chicken broth or water; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite); 0.25 cup honey; 1 tsp kosher salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp fresh chives or green onions (thinly sliced, for garnish)

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is the ultimate one-pan wonder, combining tender chicken with savory rice in a sweet and smoky sauce. It comes together in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy weeknights. The blend of honey and BBQ sauce creates a comforting, family-friendly meal that everyone will adore.

I first fell for this style of cooking during my travels, where simple, flavorful one-pot meals are a way of life. This particular honey bbq chicken recipe has become my go-to when I crave something deeply satisfying without a lot of fuss. I love serving it alongside something bright and crisp, like my Honey Roasted Carrots, or a simple salad. For another hearty, all-in-one meal that’s equally comforting, you must try my Cottage Pie. It’s the kind of homemade bbq chicken dinner that turns an ordinary evening into something special.

Four Reasons This Dish Becomes a Fast Favorite

One-Pan Simplicity: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup and more flavor.
Weeknight Fast: From prep to plate in 40 minutes, perfect for a quick chicken dinner.
Sweet and Savory Balance: The honey and BBQ sauce create a perfectly balanced, crowd-pleasing sauce.
Meal Prep Hero: This recipe makes fantastic leftovers, simplifying lunches for days.

What You’ll Need for Perfect Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay incredibly juicy and flavorful.
Long-Grain White Rice: Provides a fluffy texture that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Chicken Broth: Cooking the rice in broth instead of water adds a rich, savory depth.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand to make this easy bbq chicken rice your own.
Honey: The key for that signature sweet glaze that caramelizes so well.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics build a foundational flavor base in the pan.
Fresh Chives: A fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and mild onion flavor.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Quick and easy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe ready in 40 minutes. Perfect weeknight dinner with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and sweet homemade honey BBQ sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 620 kcal

Equipment

medium saucepan
large skillet or Dutch oven
mixing bowl
knife
cutting board
measuring cups
measuring spoons
spatula
fork

Ingredients

For the Rice and Chicken

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
1.5 cups long-grain white rice
3 cups chicken broth or water
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small yellow onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced

For the Sauce and Seasoning

1 cup BBQ sauce your favorite
0.25 cup honey
1 tsp kosher salt
0.5 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh chives or green onions thinly sliced, for garnish

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the 1.5 cups long-grain white rice and 3 cups chicken broth or water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
While the rice cooks, pat the 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the 1 small finely chopped yellow onion to the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Add the 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Pour in 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce and 1/4 cup honey. Stir well to coat all the chicken pieces evenly. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is fully cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Add the fluffed, cooked rice to the skillet with the honey BBQ chicken. Gently fold the rice into the chicken and sauce mixture until everything is well combined and the rice is evenly coated with the delicious sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring gently, just to warm the rice through.
Transfer the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice to serving plates. Garnish generously with 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh chives or green onions, if desired, before serving hot.

Notes

Garnish with fresh chives or green onions for added flavor and presentation.

Keyword bbq, chicken, rice

Simple Ways to Customize Your Dish

Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ mixture.
Vegetable Boost: Stir in a cup of frozen peas or diced bell peppers with the onions.
Cheesy Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the top before serving.

My Pro Tips for Flawless Results

Brown the Chicken Well: Getting a good sear on the chicken first locks in juices and adds deep flavor.
Don’t Rush the Aromatics: Let the onions become soft and translucent for a sweeter, more mellow taste.
Fluff the Rice: Always let the rice stand covered for 5 minutes after cooking, then fluff with a fork for the best texture, just like with my Baked Brown Rice method.
Garnish Generously: The fresh chives add a necessary brightness that cuts through the richness.

How to Store and Reheat Your Leftovers

Store: Cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can chop the onion and measure the ingredients ahead of time to make this simple weeknight meal even faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can become dry more quickly than thighs. I recommend cutting them into smaller, even pieces and reducing the initial browning time by a minute or two.

What kind of rice is best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice, like Jasmine or Basmati, works perfectly because it stays fluffy and doesn’t become mushy. Avoid using short-grain or instant rice, as they have different cooking times and liquid requirements that won’t work well with this method.

Can I make this honey BBQ chicken rice ahead of time?

Absolutely. This dish is excellent for meal prep. Simply prepare it as directed, cool it completely, and store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stovetop with a little extra liquid to bring back the saucy consistency.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this gluten-free, ensure you use a certified gluten-free BBQ sauce. All other primary ingredients, like the chicken, rice, and honey, are naturally gluten-free, making it an easy adaptation for those with dietary restrictions.

More Hearty Weeknight Dinners

Make This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Tonight

With its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, this one-pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the simple weeknight meal that delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. I hope it becomes a cherished repeat recipe in your home, just as it has in mine.

One Pan Meal