Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a simple and tasty dish where tender chicken is coated in a sticky, sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice. The combination of the juicy chicken with the slightly caramelized sauce makes it really satisfying without being complicated. It’s a great meal to whip up anytime you want something comforting but quick.
I love how easy this dish is to customize — you can toss in some veggies like bell peppers or green onions for extra flavor and color. I usually make a big batch of the chicken and sauce so there’s plenty to enjoy for leftovers, which always taste even better after the flavors have soaked in overnight.
Serving this with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple salad makes it feel like a complete meal. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a treat but is totally doable for busy weeknights. Honestly, I find myself craving the sweet BBQ sauce and the tender chicken whenever I want something familiar and satisfying.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breast because it cooks quickly and stays tender. You can swap it for chicken thighs for a juicier result, especially if you prefer dark meat.
BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce is the heart of the flavor here. Use your favorite bottle or make your own. For a smoky twist, try a chipotle or hickory-flavored sauce. If you want less sugar, look for low-sugar BBQ sauces.
Honey: This adds sweetness and helps thicken the sauce. If you’re out of honey, maple syrup or agave nectar work well too.
Soy Sauce & Vinegar: Soy sauce adds umami and saltiness, balancing the sweetness of honey and BBQ sauce. Apple cider vinegar is optional but brightens up the flavors nicely. You can swap it for rice vinegar or lemon juice.
Rice: Jasmine rice is my personal pick for its fragrance, but plain white rice or brown rice will also work fine. Cooking rice properly (not mushy or underdone) really makes this dish shine.
How Do I Get the Chicken Tender and the Sauce Just Right?
Cooking chicken and achieving a glossy, thick BBQ sauce can be tricky. Here’s my approach:
- Cook over medium-high heat: This lets the chicken brown nicely, locking in moisture without drying out.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give pieces enough space to brown evenly instead of steaming.
- Add garlic last: Garlic cooks quickly, so add it just before the sauce to avoid burning.
- Simmer the sauce gently: Pour the sauce over cooked chicken and cook on medium-low. Stir often as it thickens, prevents burning, and helps it coat the chicken beautifully.
- Taste and adjust: Add a pinch more salt, honey, or vinegar if needed to balance flavors.
Following these steps will give you tender chicken covered in a shiny, flavorful honey BBQ sauce that clings perfectly to each bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – I find a good-sized pan helps cook the chicken evenly and makes cleanup easier.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise measurements of rice and sauce ingredients.
- Whisk or fork – to mix the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Saucepan or rice cooker – for perfectly cooked rice; I prefer a saucepan if I want more control or a rice cooker for ease.
- Serving spoon or tongs – to easily stir the chicken and transfer everything to plates.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped green onions or cilantro on top for extra freshness and color.
- Mix in sautéed bell peppers or pineapple chunks for a sweet, veggie-filled twist.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness and flavor.
- Spice things up with a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce in the sauce mixture.
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rice:
- 1 ½ cups uncooked white rice (or jasmine rice)
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, so it’s ready in around 25 minutes total. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Follow the package directions to cook your rice until it’s tender and fluffy. Once done, keep it warm so it’s ready to serve with the chicken.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning the pieces so they brown nicely and cook all the way through.
3. Add Garlic and Prepare the Sauce:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not burnt. In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked chicken. Stir well to coat each piece. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Plate the cooked rice, then top with the honey BBQ chicken. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a lovely fresh touch and color.
Enjoy your delicious, sweet, and tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking. Thawing helps the chicken cook evenly and keeps the texture tender.
Can I Substitute the Rice with Something Else?
Absolutely! You can use brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Just adjust the cooking time according to the grain or vegetable you choose.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Yes! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture before simmering for some extra heat. Adjust to your taste.
