Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice saves my sanity on frantic weeknights. I created this recipe when I craved summer cookout flavors in the middle of a busy work week. You do not need a grill or hours of marinating time to achieve that perfect sticky sweetness. The magic happens in just one skillet.

The rice absorbs every drop of the savory sauce while the chicken gets a beautiful golden glaze. My family requests this dish constantly because it strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet. You simply sear the meat, toss in the rice, and let the stove do the heavy lifting.

I love how minimal the cleanup is afterward. You get a hearty, restaurant-quality meal without scrubbing pots for an hour. Prepare your tastebuds for a flavor explosion that costs barely any effort.

Why You’ll Love This Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

This isn’t just another chicken and rice dish, I promise. Here’s why it’s become my weeknight superhero:

• One pan wonder: From searing to simmering, everything happens in one skillet. Less cleanup means more time to actually enjoy your meal (or, let’s be real, collapse on the couch).
• Flavor bomb: That magic combo of honey and BBQ sauce caramelizes into something ridiculous. Sweet, smoky, with just enough tang to keep you coming back for another bite.
• Pantry-friendly: No fancy ingredients here. I bet you’ve got most of this stuff in your kitchen right now.
• Adaptable: Swap in whatever veggies you’ve got lurking in the freezer. I’ve used everything from corn to chopped zucchini, and it always works.

Seriously, this recipe is so forgiving and delicious, it feels like cheating. But I won’t tell if you don’t.

Ingredients for Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

Gather these simple ingredients and let’s get cooking! I always measure everything out first because, let’s be honest, nobody wants to realize they’re out of BBQ sauce halfway through. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes, thighs stay juicier, but breasts work too)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed until the water runs clear, trust me, this makes all the difference)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (the base of our delicious sauce)
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (I love mesquite flavor here, but use your favorite)
• 1/4 cup honey (packed, the good sticky stuff)
• 1 cup mixed veggies (frozen peas and carrots are my standby, but get creative!)
• 2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil (divided, for that perfect sear)
• Spice mix: 1 tsp each garlic powder and onion powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper (this combo is magic)
• 2 green onions (sliced thin, for that fresh pop of color at the end, optional but so pretty)

See? Nothing crazy, just good ingredients that come together to make something amazing. Now let’s cook!

Equipment You’ll Need

You probably have most of this stuff already! Here’s what I grab before starting:

• Large skillet or Dutch oven (with a tight-fitting lid, this is non-negotiable for perfect rice)
• Wooden spoon (for scraping up all those delicious browned bits)
• Chef’s knife and cutting board (for prepping that chicken)
• Measuring cups and spoons (because eyeballing honey never ends well)
• Fine mesh strainer (for rinsing the rice, don’t skip this!)

That’s it! No fancy gadgets needed, just good old reliable kitchen basics.

How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

Alright, let’s get cooking! I promise this is easier than it looks, and I’ll walk you through each step like I’m right there in the kitchen with you. Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious one-pan meal in no time.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Spices

First things first, let’s get our chicken ready. I always cut my chicken into 1-inch cubes about the size of dice. Why? Because they cook evenly and you get a perfect bite every time. While you’re at it, mix up that spice blend: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a little bowl. Trust me, this simple combo makes all the difference!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Now for the fun part! Heat up 1 tablespoon of oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Don’t be shy with the heat; we want it nice and hot for that perfect golden crust. Sprinkle half the spice mix over the chicken, then add them to the pan in a single layer.

Listen for that satisfying sizzle! Let them cook without moving for about 3-4 minutes per side until they’re beautifully browned. This isn’t just about looks; it’s where all that deep flavor starts. Once they’re golden, move them to a plate. We’ll come back to them soon!

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Same pan, lower the heat to medium, and add that last tablespoon of oil. Toss in your rinsed rice and the rest of the spice mix.

Here’s my favorite part: Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until you start smelling this amazing nutty aroma and the rice turns slightly translucent. This quick toast gives the rice such depth of flavor. I always know it’s ready when my kitchen smells like a cozy restaurant.

Step 4: Simmer and Finish

Time to bring it all together! Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Give it a good stir, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan that’s pure flavor gold! Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce to low heat.

Nestle that beautiful chicken back into the pan, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and resist the urge to peek for 15 minutes. I know it’s tempting, but trust the process! After 15 minutes, quickly scatter those frozen veggies over the top, cover again, and cook for 5 more minutes.

Finally, remove from the heat and let it rest covered for 5 minutes. This is the secret to perfectly fluffy rice that isn’t sticky. Then fluff it all together with a fork and prepare to be amazed!

Tips for Perfect Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

After making this dish more times than I can count, I’ve learned a few tricks that take it from good to “wow”:

• Rinse that rice! I know it seems like an extra step, but washing away the excess starch keeps your rice from turning into a gummy mess. Just run cold water over it until the water runs clear.
• Chicken thighs are your friend. They stay juicy even if you get distracted (we’ve all been there). Breasts work, but thighs forgive overcooking better.
• Don’t peek under the lid! That steam is working hard to cook your rice evenly. Keep it covered the whole simmer time.
• Let it rest. Those final 5 minutes off the heat let the rice absorb any extra moisture perfectly. Patience pays off!

Follow these simple tips, and you’ll have restaurant-quality results every single time.

Variations and Substitutions

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Here are some tasty tweaks I’ve tried and loved:

• Veggie swaps: No frozen mix? Fresh bell peppers and onions work great. Or try broccoli florets they add a nice crunch.
• Heat it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or swap in spicy BBQ sauce if you like things with a kick.
• Gluten-free: Just use your favorite GF BBQ sauce and check that your broth is gluten-free too.
• Brown rice version: Use 1/3 more liquid and add 10 minutes to the simmer time.
• Sweetness control: Reduce the honey by half if you prefer less sweet, or add a splash of apple cider vinegar for balance.

The beauty is, as long as you keep the basic method, you really can’t go wrong. Play around and find your perfect combo!

Serving Suggestions

This Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is practically a meal in itself, but I love rounding it out with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the sweetness perfectly. Or go for garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce.

Honestly though, I won’t judge if you just grab a fork and dig right in it’s that good on its own!

Storing and Reheating Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This dish actually tastes even better the next day. Just pop it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I like to add a splash of chicken broth to keep everything moist.

Microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, or warm it gently in a skillet over low heat. The rice might dry out a bit, but that extra broth brings it right back to life. Trust me, you’ll be fighting over who gets the last bite!

Nutritional Information

While I’m all about flavor first, I know many of us like to keep an eye on nutrition. A typical serving of this Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice provides a good balance of protein, carbs, and veggies.

Remember, estimates vary based on your specific ingredients and brands. The honey and BBQ sauce add sweetness, while the chicken and rice keep it filling. It’s comfort food that actually makes you feel good after eating it!

FAQs About Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

Tasty Chicken & Rice Dinners

If you enjoyed the sweet and smoky flavors of Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice, try these other flavorful one-pan and easy chicken meals.

• Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls: Juicy chicken glazed in a sweet, sticky sauce served over fluffy rice.​
• Chicken and Yellow Rice Casserole: A comforting bake featuring seasoned yellow rice and tender chicken.​
• Baked Honey Sesame Chicken: Crispy baked chicken tossed in a sweet honey sesame glaze.​
• Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers: Grilled skewers with a bold Korean BBQ marinade.​

These recipes deliver big flavor with simple preparation, perfect for busy weeknights!​

The Ultimate One-Pan Dinner

Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice brings the best summer flavors right into your kitchen. This one-pan meal delivers sticky, sweet chicken and flavorful rice without the usual mess. You get a satisfying dinner that feels gourmet but takes only minutes to prepare. It is the perfect solution for busy evenings when you need a guaranteed win.

Cook this tonight and watch your family ask for seconds. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. Also, follow me on Facebook for more quick, delicious recipes that make life easier.

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