Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish featuring juicy chicken glazed in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce served over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice. Quick to prepare in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients, this recipe balances sweetness and smokiness perfectly, making it ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep. With minimal cleanup and versatile options for customization, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that offers warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free BBQ sauce and broth)
Protein
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, seasoned with salt and pepper
Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
Rice and Cooking Liquid
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
Aromatics & Cooking Fat
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
Seasoning
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on both sides and nearly cooked through, locking in moisture and flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Remove the chicken temporarily from the skillet. Add chopped garlic and onion to the same skillet and sauté until fragrant and translucent, creating a hearty flavor base for the rice.
- Add Rice and Liquid: Stir in the rice to coat it with the savory mixture. Pour in chicken broth or water, then place the chicken back on top. Bring to a simmer, cover the pan, and cook until the rice is fluffy and all liquid is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.
- Glaze with Honey BBQ Sauce: Mix honey and BBQ sauce, then pour the mixture evenly over the chicken and rice. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens nicely.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, green onions, or optional sesame seeds over the dish for a bright and colorful finish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Choose long-grain jasmine or basmati rice for fluffier texture that doesn’t clump.
- Cook chicken just until done to keep it tender and juicy; avoid overcooking.
- Keep the heat low while simmering rice to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Use a high-quality BBQ sauce for the best flavor impact.
- Adjust honey quantity to taste for desired sweetness or tanginess.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to keep rice moist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, One-Pan Meal, Quick Dinner, Comfort Food, Gluten-Free, Honey Glazed Chicken, Rice Bowl