There’s something incredibly satisfying about cooking one-pot meals, especially when they’re as flavorful and comforting as honey BBQ chicken rice. On busy weeknights or when entertaining friends, this dish shines with its beautifully caramelized chicken and the sweet, smoky notes from the honey BBQ sauce. The best part? It’s uncomplicated and straightforward to prepare, making it perfect for anyone looking to whip up something delicious without spending all day in the kitchen.

This honey BBQ chicken rice is special because it brings together the succulent flavor of chicken thighs or breasts, the sweetness of honey, and the classic taste of barbecue sauce, all cooked right along with fluffy rice and colorful mixed vegetables. It’s a complete meal that checks all the boxes: it’s savory, it’s sweet, and it’s comforting. Plus, it’s great for feeding a crowd or keeping your meal prep easy during the week.

Why you’ll love this

Speed: Cooked in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Flavor: The sweet and smoky BBQ flavor pairs perfectly with tender chicken.
Complete meal: Rice and veggies are included for a balanced dish in one pan.
Easy clean-up: One pot means less mess and fewer dishes to wash.
Versatile: Great for personalizing with your choice of veggies and BBQ sauce.

"So simple yet incredibly tasty; a great family favorite!"

Step-by-step overview

This recipe involves searing seasoned chicken pieces, toasting rice, and simmering everything together with flavorful ingredients like chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. The final touch of mixed veggies adds great color and nutrition, making this dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.

What you’ll need

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
¼ cup honey
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

Ingredient notes & swaps:

Chicken cuts: Both thighs and breasts work well; thighs offer more juiciness.
Rice: Long-grain rice is recommended; substitute with basmati or jasmine if desired.
BBQ sauce: Use your favorite variety; smoky or sweet styles are great options.
Vegetables: You can also toss in chopped bell peppers or green beans for extra crunch.

How to make it

This one-pot wonder is easy to prepare and requires just a few simple steps to get that vibrant flavor mixed in seamlessly.

Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat.
Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add a drizzle of oil to the pan and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey.
Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice.
Cover again and continue cooking for 5 more minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice.
Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot!

Pro Tip: For a better sear on the chicken, ensure that it’s patted dry before seasoning.

Helpful cooking tips

Use a sharp knife: to cut the chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking.
Mind the heat: If the pan gets too hot when searing, reduce the heat slightly to avoid burning.
Add flavor depth: Consider marinating the chicken beforehand in BBQ sauce for even richer flavor.
Check doneness: The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Keep rice covered while simmering to trap the steam for perfect cooking.

Best ways to enjoy it

Honey BBQ chicken rice can be plated simply and garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for a pop of color. This dish is perfect served alone or alongside a light salad. It can also be easily paired with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage & reheating tips

To store leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until steaming hot.

How to fix common issues

If the chicken is dry: Ensure it isn’t overcooked and consider covering it during the latter cooking stages to retain moisture.
For bland rice: Make sure to use enough seasoning in both the rice and chicken; additional broth can enhance flavor too.
Soggy rice: Double-check that the rice-to-liquid ratio is proper; if it seems too wet, remove the lid during the final minutes of cooking.
Separation: Stir gently when adding mixed vegetables to avoid breaking up the rice and chicken.

Recipe variations

Feel free to make this dish your own! You can add a kick with some diced jalapeños, swap in different vegetables like broccoli or corn, or use a different style of sauce altogether, such as teriyaki or sweet chili, for an entirely new flavor profile.

Common questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but be aware that it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the broth and simmer time accordingly to ensure it cooks through.

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?

A smoky BBQ sauce pairs wonderfully with the honey and chicken, but feel free to use sweet, spicy, or tangy varieties depending on your flavor preference.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add diced fresh chili peppers or a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mix before simmering for an extra kick of heat.

This honey BBQ chicken rice not only delivers on taste but also simplifies meals with its one-pot approach—the perfect balance of rich flavors, satisfying textures, and ease of preparation!

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

A flavorful one-pot meal featuring succulent chicken, sweet honey BBQ sauce, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables, all cooked together for a comforting dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts Thighs are more juicy.
1 cup long-grain rice Basmati or jasmine can be used as substitutes.
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup BBQ sauce Use your favorite variety.
¼ cup honey
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper To taste.
1 cup mixed vegetables Frozen or fresh; can use bell peppers or green beans.

Method

Preparation

Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat.
Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add a drizzle of oil to the pan and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey.
Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice.
Cover again and continue cooking for 5 more minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice.
Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot!

Notes

For a better sear on the chicken, ensure that it’s patted dry before seasoning. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days; portions can be frozen for up to 3 months.