Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice combines juicy chicken thighs with a sweet and smoky glaze, all served over perfectly cooked rice. This comforting one-pan meal is easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a family favorite any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• Optional: shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional: hot sauce, lemon zest, green onions

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken thighs with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken on both sides for 3–4 minutes until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic until smooth and glossy.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, lightly toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes. Then add the chicken broth and half of the honey BBQ sauce, stirring to combine.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the rice, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
5. Step 5: Alternatively, transfer the rice and chicken mixture to a baking dish, pour the remaining honey BBQ sauce over, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.
6. Step 6: Add optional frozen mixed vegetables into the rice during cooking to boost flavor and texture. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top before baking if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a low-sodium version, use reduced-salt soy sauce and sugar-free BBQ sauce.
• Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make it gluten-free.
• Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly meal.
• Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Add a few dashes of hot sauce or lemon zest to brighten up the flavors.

Storage

Store leftover Honey BBQ Chicken Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the rice.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but thighs remain juicier and less likely to dry out during cooking.

Is it possible to make this recipe on the stovetop only?

Absolutely. The one-pan simmer method where the chicken cooks with the rice on the stove works well and saves time compared to baking.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 60 reviews

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious and comforting dish featuring juicy oven-baked chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, served atop tender long-grain white rice that soaks up all the rich flavors. This one-pan or baked meal offers a perfect balance of sweetness from honey, savory depth from soy and garlic, and the smoky aroma of paprika. It’s an adaptable recipe allowing for veggie add-ins or cheese toppings, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Honey BBQ Sauce

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (choose smoky, spicy, or sweet)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1–2 cloves garlic, minced

Rice and Broth

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth

Optional Add-Ins

• 1/2 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Hot sauce, to taste
• 1 tsp lemon zest

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly to build a flavorful crust.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken thighs for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step locks in juices and enhances texture.
3. Prepare the Honey BBQ Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic until smooth and shiny, creating a thick glaze to coat the chicken and rice.
4. Toast the Rice: Using the same skillet with chicken drippings, add the uncooked rice and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes to bring out its nutty flavor.
5. Add Broth and Sauce to Rice: Pour in chicken broth and half of the prepared honey BBQ sauce into the skillet with toasted rice; stir gently to combine.
6. Simmer the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently.
7. One-Pan Method: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the rice mixture, cover the skillet, and let cook on low heat for 15 minutes until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
8. Baked Version: Alternatively, transfer the rice and chicken mixture to a baking dish, pour the remaining honey BBQ sauce over the top, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35 to 40 minutes until the chicken is tender and rice soaked in sauce.
9. Add Optional Toppings: In the last 5 minutes of baking, optionally sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top to melt. You can also fold in frozen mixed vegetables during simmering or baking for extra color and nutrition.
10. Serve: Spoon the chicken and rice onto plates, garnish with chopped green onions or lemon zest if desired, and enjoy with your favorite sides.

Notes

• You can substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
• For a low-carb variation, replace rice with cauliflower rice and adjust cooking time.
• Using bone-in chicken thighs will add more flavor but may increase cooking time by 5-10 minutes.
• To add a spicy kick, include a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce into the honey BBQ glaze.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, Chicken Rice, Honey BBQ Sauce, Baked Chicken, One-Pan Meal, Comfort Food