Name: Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained; 2 cups chicken broth, preferably low-sodium; 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (mesquite flavor recommended); 1/4 cup honey; 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh - peas, carrots, corn, and bell peppers); 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil, divided; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

I am absolutely thrilled to share with you one of my favorite weeknight meals: this Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe. It effortlessly combines tender, flavorful chicken with fluffy rice all coated in a luscious honey-infused BBQ sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, smoky, and savory. Every bite is like a warm hug on a plate, and the ease of making this recipe makes it one I return to time and time again when I want something comforting, satisfying, and downright delicious.

Why You'll Love This Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe

Let me tell you why this Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. The flavor profile is just outstanding. The mesquite BBQ sauce offers that smoky depth I adore, while the honey adds a gentle sweetness that rounds everything out beautifully. It’s not overpowering but simply so well balanced that every mouthful delivers a perfect harmony of flavors. The seasoning blend with smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder enhances it even further, making this comfort meal anything but boring.

What really wins me over, though, is how straightforward the cooking process is. I especially love that it’s a one-pot meal—meaning less mess and fewer dishes, which is always a win after a busy day. The way the rice toasts slightly before simmering in the flavorful broth and sauce is such a smart step because it really elevates the texture and taste. Plus, adding mixed vegetables in the last minutes keeps everything vibrant and fresh, which I really appreciate for a quick yet wholesome dinner option.

This recipe is perfect for so many occasions. Whether I’m cooking a cozy family dinner, hosting friends for a casual meal, or even preparing leftovers for an easy lunch the next day, it fits the bill perfectly. It stands out from other chicken and rice dishes because of the unique combination of honey sweetness and smoky BBQ that feels both comforting and a little special. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows several ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. On the right side, there are three pieces of raw chicken meat, smooth and pale pink. To the left, a large white bowl is filled with cooked white rice that looks fluffy. Above the rice, a small bowl contains dark red sauce with a thick texture. Next to it, another small bowl holds golden yellow oil, and above it is a small bowl with a deeper amber liquid. At the center bottom, a small bowl has white salt, with an even smaller bowl below it that holds black and white pepper mix. A whole garlic bulb sits near the center, and another bowl below the red sauce contains finely chopped nuts or garlic pieces that are off-white. All these items are spaced evenly, highlighting their colors and textures clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully simple but each one plays a vital role in delivering incredible taste, texture, and color. From juicy chicken pieces to that rich BBQ sauce and sweet honey, every component comes together to create something truly yummy and satisfying.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Chicken (thighs or breasts): I prefer thighs for juiciness, but breasts work well, cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Long-grain white rice: Rinsed and drained to avoid clumping and achieve fluffy texture.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps cook the rice perfectly.
BBQ sauce (mesquite flavor): My go-to choice for that smoky richness that really defines this dish.
Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy BBQ sauce beautifully.
Mixed vegetables: A colorful combo for texture, nutrients, and freshness—peas, carrots, corn, and bell peppers shine here.
Vegetable or olive oil: For searing chicken and toasting rice to bring out maximum flavor.
Seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper): These simple spices pack a punch, giving the dish its savory backbone.
Green onions and fresh parsley: Fresh garnishes that add brightness and a pop of color just before serving.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare all your ingredients by cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces (or a bit bigger if using thighs), rinsing the rice until water runs clear, and mixing together your seasoning blend. Having everything ready keeps the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Sprinkle half the seasoning on the chicken, then add it to the hot pan carefully in a single layer to avoid overcrowding. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until beautifully golden but not fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and toss in the rinsed rice with the rest of the seasoning. Keep stirring constantly and cook for 1-2 minutes until the rice edges become slightly translucent and a toasty aroma fills your kitchen. This step really deepens the flavor.

Step 4: Carefully pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey, stirring well to combine. Be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the pan’s bottom—they hold so much flavor that you don’t want to miss out. Bring everything to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Reduce heat to low and nestle the seared chicken back into the rice mixture. Cover the skillet tightly and let it simmer undisturbed for 15 minutes so the rice cooks perfectly without losing steam.

Step 6: After 15 minutes, quickly scatter the mixed vegetables evenly over the top, cover again, and cook for another 5 minutes until the rice is tender, the vegetables are warmed through, and the chicken hits 165°F (74°C) internally.

Step 7: Remove the skillet from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes to let the rice absorb any remaining liquid and the flavors meld beautifully. Then gently fluff with a fork, mixing the vegetables in carefully.

Step 8: Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and chopped parsley, plus a little extra BBQ sauce drizzled on top if you like a more intense flavor. Serve hot, either straight from the skillet for a rustic vibe or plated for a polished look.

Servings and Timing

This Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe makes about 4 hearty servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping for a few lunches. It takes roughly 10 minutes for prep, 30 minutes for cooking, plus the 5-minute resting time, so total time is just around 40-45 minutes from start to finish. This balance is fantastic when you need a satisfying, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve This Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe

The image shows a white round plate with two main sections: on one side, there is a pile of white fluffy rice with soft texture, and on the other side, there are pieces of crispy fried chicken covered in bright orange-red sauce, making them shiny and sticky. The chicken pieces are garnished with small green slices of spring onion scattered on top. A woman’s hand holds a silver spoon resting on the rice. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this dish fresh and piping hot, straight from the skillet so everyone can dig in family-style. It pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh sides that balance out the richness—think a zesty green salad, crunchy coleslaw, or even some roasted Brussels sprouts to add texture contrast. If you want to go all out, some cornbread or garlic bread on the side makes a cozy, complete meal.

For garnishing, I always reach for freshly sliced green onions and bright parsley because they add just the right pop of color and freshness right before serving. A drizzle of extra BBQ sauce can also elevate every bite if you’re a saucy enthusiast like me. Presentation-wise, I like to scoop generous portions onto large plates with a little extra sprinkle of herbs on top; it makes the meal feel inviting and special.

When it comes to beverages, this dish goes great with something light and refreshing. I often opt for sparkling water with lemon or a cold iced tea with a splash of citrus. If you’re in the mood for wine, a chilled Riesling or a fruity Zinfandel complements the smoky and sweet flavors beautifully. This versatile recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, or whenever you want a quick feel-good meal that pleases everyone.

Variations

I’ve found that this Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe is super flexible and can easily be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For example, if you’re after a gluten-free version, just make sure to use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and double-check your broth. You can also substitute the white rice for brown rice or quinoa for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber, though cooking times will vary slightly.

If you want to switch up the protein, turkey or pork cut into cubes can work nicely here. For a vegan twist, try using firm tofu or tempeh and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth while keeping the same honey and BBQ base. You can even explore flavor variations by using different styles of BBQ sauce—like sweet and spicy or tangy applewood—to tailor the dish to your craving. Cooking methods could also shift; I’ve had great results making it in a slow cooker by layering the ingredients and cooking on low for several hours for an effortless hands-off dinner.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers from this Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe, I store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator where they keep fresh for up to 3-4 days. I find glass containers with tight lids work best to preserve flavor and prevent any moisture loss. It’s great for quick lunches or reheated dinners without compromising the taste or texture.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, which is a big plus if you want to meal prep ahead. I recommend portioning it into freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Properly stored, it will keep well for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, I usually transfer it to the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice from drying out and to revive the sauce’s luscious texture. You can also heat it in the microwave covered loosely with a damp paper towel, stirring halfway through for more even warmth. Avoid overheating, as that can dry out the chicken. Adding a little fresh garnish after reheating brings back some of the brightness lost during storage.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work perfectly here when cut into bite-sized pieces. Just be careful not to overcook them during searing as they dry out faster than thighs. The recipe accounts for either, so feel free to use whichever you prefer.

Is it okay to use frozen mixed vegetables?

Yes, frozen mixed vegetables are a convenient and tasty choice. Just add them towards the end of cooking as instructed to warm through without becoming mushy. They add great color, nutrition, and texture, making the dish even more wholesome.

Can I make this Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe in advance?

Definitely! This recipe is excellent for meal prepping. You can fully cook it and store leftovers, then reheat as needed without losing much in taste or texture. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.

What can I use instead of honey for sweetness?

If you don’t have honey or prefer a substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar make great alternatives. They provide similar sweetness and blend well with the smoky BBQ sauce. Just adjust the amount to taste as some alternatives might be a bit sweeter or milder.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! I recommend layering the chicken, rice, seasonings, liquids, and vegetables in the slow cooker and cooking on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through. It’s a fantastic hands-off option when you need dinner ready when you get home.

Conclusion

I genuinely hope you give this Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice Recipe a try soon because it has become such a joyful and reliable go-to meal in my kitchen. It’s full of flavor, easy to make, and hits that perfect spot between comforting and exciting. Once you taste the harmony of smoky BBQ, sweet honey, tender chicken, and fluffy rice together, I’m confident you’ll be hooked just like I am!