HONEY BBQ CHICKEN RICE QUICK

Craving something that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor? Imagine tender pieces of chicken, glazed in a sticky-sweet honey BBQ sauce, nestled on a bed of fluffy rice. This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe is your answer to a delicious and satisfying meal that’s surprisingly simple to make – I promise, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together!

The Secret’s in the Sauce (and the Ingredients!)

Okay, let’s talk ingredients. This isn’t about fancy, hard-to-find stuff. It’s about simple, readily available ingredients that, when combined, create magic. Don’t be intimidated by the list; most of it is pantry staples. I’ll walk you through it!

Ingredients for Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of salt, or to taste

For the Honey BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand!)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (adds a nice tang!)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for that umami depth)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, but highly recommended)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)

For the Rice:

• 1.5 cups uncooked long-grain rice (like Basmati or Jasmine)
• 3 cups water (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Sriracha (for extra heat!)
• Steamed broccoli or other veggies

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, here’s where the fun begins! I’ve broken down the steps to make this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice super easy to follow. Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, I’m confident you can nail this. And hey, if you have any questions, just shoot me a message!

Step 1: Cook the Rice

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents it from being too sticky.
2. Combine the rice, water (or broth), butter/oil (if using), and salt in a medium saucepan.
3. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. While the rice is cooking, prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps it brown better.
2. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding).
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned.

Step 4: Make the Honey BBQ Sauce

1. While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Once the chicken is cooked through, pour the Honey BBQ sauce over the chicken in the skillet.
2. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
3. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly and the chicken is nicely glazed.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

1. Spoon the cooked rice into bowls.
2. Top with the Honey BBQ chicken.
3. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of Sriracha.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy your amazing Honey BBQ Chicken Rice!

Troubleshooting & Tips for Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Perfection

Even with the best recipes, things can sometimes go a little sideways. Here are a few common issues and how to avoid them, plus some extra tips to take your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice to the next level!

Problem: Sticky Rice

Solution: Rinsing your rice REALLY well before cooking is key! Also, make sure you’re using the correct water-to-rice ratio. If your rice is consistently sticky, try using slightly less water.

Problem: Dry Chicken

Solution: Don’t overcook the chicken! Chicken thighs are more forgiving than chicken breasts, so if you’re prone to overcooking, thighs might be a better choice. Also, searing the chicken quickly over high heat helps to lock in the juices.

Problem: Sauce Too Thin

Solution: Let the sauce simmer for a longer period of time to allow it to thicken. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to help thicken it up. Add it slowly, stirring constantly, until you reach your desired consistency.

Pro Tips for Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Awesomeness:

• Marinate the Chicken: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice mixture for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) before cooking.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the Honey BBQ sauce for an extra kick.
• Veggies, Veggies, Veggies: Toss in some steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a more complete and nutritious meal.
• Make it Ahead: You can cook the rice and chicken separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat and combine when you’re ready to eat.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings! Crushed peanuts, chopped cilantro, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt can add a delicious twist.

Variations to Keep Things Interesting

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. Awesome! Now, let’s explore some fun variations to keep things exciting. These are just suggestions, so feel free to get creative and adapt them to your own tastes!

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls with Pineapple Salsa:

Add a tropical twist by topping your bowls with a fresh pineapple salsa. Simply combine diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño (optional), and lime juice. The sweet and tangy salsa complements the savory Honey BBQ chicken perfectly.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Burrito Bowls:

Transform your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice into a burrito bowl by adding black beans, corn, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole. Serve it in a bowl or wrap it up in a tortilla for a grab-and-go meal.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Stir-Fry:

Turn your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice into a quick and easy stir-fry by adding your favorite stir-fry vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and snow peas. Stir-fry the vegetables in a wok or large skillet until tender-crisp, then add the Honey BBQ chicken and rice and toss to combine.

Spicy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice with Kimchi:

Give your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice a spicy and flavorful kick by adding kimchi. Kimchi is a fermented Korean side dish made with vegetables, typically napa cabbage and Korean radish, with a variety of seasonings. The spicy and tangy kimchi pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory Honey BBQ chicken.

Why This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe is a Winner

Seriously, this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe is a game-changer. It’s quick, it’s easy, it’s incredibly flavorful, and it’s totally customizable. It’s the perfect weeknight meal for busy families or anyone who wants a delicious and satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

But beyond the convenience and the taste, this recipe is also about connection. It’s about creating a meal that brings people together, whether it’s a family dinner around the table or a casual get-together with friends. And that, my friends, is what cooking is all about.

Time to Shine!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get cooking! I know you’re going to absolutely love this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe. And don’t forget to share your creations with me – I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Happy cooking!

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe delivers tender chicken glazed in a sweet and savory honey BBQ sauce, served over fluffy rice. It’s a quick, easy, and customizable meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Large Skillet or Wok
• Medium bowl
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Paper towels
• Cutting board
• Knife

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of salt, or to taste
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard optional
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 1.5 cups uncooked long-grain rice
• 3 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil optional
• Pinch of salt
• Chopped green onions optional, for topping
• Sesame seeds optional, for topping
• Steamed broccoli or other veggies optional, for topping

Instructions

 

• Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
• Combine the rice, water (or broth), butter/oil (if using), and salt in a medium saucepan.
• Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
• Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
• In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
• Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer, cooking in batches if needed.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned.
• While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl.
• Once the chicken is cooked through, pour the Honey BBQ sauce over the chicken in the skillet.
• Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
• Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly and the chicken is nicely glazed.
• Spoon the cooked rice into bowls.
• Top with the Honey BBQ chicken.
• Garnish with your favorite toppings.
• Serve immediately.

Notes

For stickier rice, ensure the rice is rinsed well before cooking. To thicken the sauce, simmer for a longer duration or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water). Marinating the chicken in the spice mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking enhances the flavor. Store cooked rice and chicken separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.