I remember the first time I tried honey BBQ chicken. It was at a summer cookout, and the sticky, sweet, and smoky flavor was absolutely intoxicating. I immediately wanted to recreate that taste at home, but I also wanted something that was quick, easy, and could be a complete meal. That’s how I started experimenting, and eventually landed on this recipe. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Easy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice you’ll ever make! Get ready for a flavor explosion that the whole family will adore!
Why You’ll Obsess Over This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Okay, friend, let’s talk about why this recipe is about to become your new weeknight go-to. We all have those days where cooking feels like a chore, right? This dish is the answer. It’s ridiculously simple, uses ingredients you probably already have, and delivers a huge punch of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Forget slaving away in the kitchen for hours – this is all about maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Here’s what makes this recipe so special:
- It’s quick: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes, tops!
- It’s easy: No complicated techniques or fancy equipment required.
- It’s customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults alike will devour this dish.
- It’s budget-friendly: This recipe is made with everyday ingredients that won’t break the bank.
What You’ll Need: Gathering Your Ingredients
Let’s gather everything you need to make this magic happen. Don’t worry, it’s a pretty short list! And remember, feel free to adapt it to your liking. That’s what cooking is all about – making it your own!
The Main Players:
- Chicken: About 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. I personally prefer chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavor, but breasts work beautifully too. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for faster cooking and easier eating.
- Rice: 1 cup of uncooked long-grain rice. You can use white or brown rice – just adjust the cooking time accordingly. I usually opt for white rice because it cooks faster.
- Honey BBQ Sauce: The star of the show! You can use your favorite store-bought brand or, if you’re feeling adventurous, make your own. I’ll even share a super simple recipe for that later!
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups of chicken broth. This adds flavor and helps cook the rice perfectly. You can also use water, but broth gives it an extra boost.
- Onion: 1 medium onion, diced. This adds a savory base to the dish.
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced. Because everything is better with garlic, right?
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the onion and garlic.
- Spices: Salt, pepper, and paprika. Simple but essential!
Optional Add-Ins (For Extra Zing!):
- Bell Peppers: Diced bell peppers add color, crunch, and a touch of sweetness.
- Corn: A handful of frozen or canned corn adds a pop of sweetness.
- Pineapple: Diced pineapple adds a tropical twist that complements the honey BBQ flavor perfectly.
- Green Onions: Sliced green onions for garnish.
- Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and visual appeal.
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, friend, now for the fun part! Let’s turn these ingredients into a delicious Honey BBQ Chicken Rice masterpiece. Trust me, it’s easier than you think!
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you even turn on the stove, take a few minutes to prep your ingredients. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, and measure out your rice, broth, and spices. Having everything ready to go will make the cooking process much smoother and more enjoyable. This is called “mise en place” in the culinary world, and it’s a total game-changer!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, but not necessarily cooked through. Remember, it will continue to cook with the rice and sauce. Browning the chicken adds a ton of flavor, so don’t skip this step!
Step 4: Add the Rice and Broth
Stir in the uncooked rice and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Be sure to keep the lid on tight to trap the steam and cook the rice evenly. This is similar to how we cook the rice in our Forgotten Chicken and Rice Casserole, a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal!
Step 5: The Honey BBQ Magic
Once the rice is cooked, stir in the honey BBQ sauce. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked through at this point. If it needs a little more time, continue to simmer until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you’re adding any optional ingredients like bell peppers, corn, or pineapple, stir them in now as well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until everything is heated through and the sauce is nicely coating the chicken and rice.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Honey BBQ Sauce: Store-Bought or Homemade?
Okay, let’s talk about the honey BBQ sauce. You have two options here: store-bought or homemade. Both are perfectly acceptable, but if you’re feeling ambitious, I highly recommend trying your hand at making your own. It’s surprisingly easy, and you can customize the flavor to your exact liking.
Store-Bought: Convenience is Key
If you’re short on time (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), using a store-bought honey BBQ sauce is a great option. Just make sure to choose a brand that you enjoy and that has a good balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors. I personally like to look for sauces that are made with real honey and don’t contain too many artificial ingredients. You can even mix in a little extra honey or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to customize the flavor even further.
Homemade: Control Your Flavors
If you want to take your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice to the next level, making your own honey BBQ sauce is the way to go. It’s surprisingly easy, and you’ll have complete control over the ingredients and flavors. Here’s a super simple recipe to get you started:
Easy Homemade Honey BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
Simply whisk all the ingredients together in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more honey for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or spices for heat.
This homemade sauce is also fantastic with our HONEY PEPPER CHICKEN PASTA! It’s a winning combo!
Tips and Tricks for Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Perfection
Okay, friend, before you head off to the kitchen, I want to share a few extra tips and tricks to ensure your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice turns out absolutely perfect every time.
- Don’t overcook the rice: Overcooked rice can become mushy, so be sure to check it frequently while it’s simmering. If the liquid is absorbed but the rice is still a little firm, add a splash of broth and continue to cook until it’s tender.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of honey in the BBQ sauce or use a BBQ sauce that’s naturally less sweet.
- Add some heat: If you like a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top of the finished dish.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or a simple salad for a complete and balanced meal. Consider serving a Chicken Macaroni Salad on the side, it’s a wonderful combination!
- Leftovers are your friend: This dish is even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use a rice cooker: If you prefer, you can cook the rice in a rice cooker separately and then add it to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. This can be a great option if you’re worried about overcooking the rice.
- Try different vegetables: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables in this dish. Carrots, peas, zucchini, and mushrooms would all be delicious additions.
- Slow Cooker Option: For an even easier meal, try adapting this to your slow cooker. Brown the chicken first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Like our SLOW COOKER LEMON CHICKEN, it’s minimal effort for maximum reward!
Variations: Let’s Get Creative!
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, you can start experimenting with different variations to suit your taste and preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Spicy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the honey BBQ sauce for a fiery kick.
- Hawaiian Honey BBQ Chicken Rice: Add diced pineapple and a sprinkle of coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
- Honey BBQ Chicken and Broccoli Rice: Add chopped broccoli florets to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking for a healthy and flavorful meal.
- Honey BBQ Chicken and Black Bean Rice: Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans for a boost of protein and fiber.
- BBQ Chicken Bowls: Serve the honey BBQ chicken and rice in bowls with your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole. Similar to our Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, customizable and delicious!
- Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier dish. Almost like our Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole but in a skillet!
Time to Shine: Make this Tonight!
And there you have it, friend! My ultimate recipe for Easy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. I truly believe that anyone can make this dish, no matter their cooking experience. It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. So, what are you waiting for? Get into the kitchen and give it a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And be sure to let me know how it turns out in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear all about your culinary adventures!
How long does it take to make the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?
The recipe takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. The author prefers chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavor, but breasts work well too.
What can I add to the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice to customize it?
You can add diced bell peppers, corn, or pineapple for extra flavor and texture. Green onions and sesame seeds can also be used as a garnish.
Can I make my own honey BBQ sauce?
Yes, you can easily make your own honey BBQ sauce using ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (optional). The recipe is included in the article.
Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, and measure out the rice, broth, honey BBQ sauce, and spices.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Brown the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, but not necessarily cooked through.
- Add rice and broth: Stir in the uncooked rice and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
- Add honey BBQ sauce: Stir in the honey BBQ sauce. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked through. If not, continue to simmer until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If adding optional ingredients like bell peppers, corn, or pineapple, stir them in now.
- Heat through: Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until everything is heated through and the sauce is nicely coating the chicken and rice.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot.
