If you’re craving a soul-satisfying meal that brings together the sweet and tangy flavors of barbecue with tender, juicy chicken and fluffy rice, you are going to fall head over heels for this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for casual gatherings, combining a homemade Honey BBQ sauce with perfectly seasoned chicken thighs, all served atop a bed of fragrant, buttery rice. Every bite bursts with bold flavors and comforting textures that make this dish a true favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe is all about simple, wholesome ingredients that work together beautifully to deliver amazing flavor and satisfying texture. Each component, from the smoky spices to the rich sauce and fluffy rice, plays an essential role in making this dish truly memorable.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: They stay juicy and tender, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
- Olive oil: Helps to coat and crisp the chicken evenly while adding healthy fats.
- Smoked paprika & spices: These bring a smoky warmth and subtle heat that elevate the barbecue taste.
- Honey BBQ Sauce: The star ingredient—perfectly sweet, tangy, and sticky, whether store-bought or homemade.
- Ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard: All these combine for a deeply flavorful, balanced sauce with layers of sweet, sharp, and savory notes.
- Long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine): Offers a fluffy, aromatic base that complements the bold chicken.
- Chicken broth: Adds richness and depth to the rice as it cooks.
- Butter or olive oil: Stirred into the rice for richness and a velvety texture.
- Chopped green onions, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes: These garnishes add freshness, crunch, and an inviting pop of color.
How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
Step 1: Make the Honey BBQ Sauce
Start by whisking together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper in a saucepan. Simmer it gently for about 15 to 20 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken just enough to become wonderfully sticky and luscious. This homemade sauce is what sets the foundation for the dish’s incredible taste.
Step 2: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and toss them with olive oil and a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning mix infuses the chicken with warmth and subtle spice. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to absorb all those spices deeply, making every bite flavorful and tender.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
In a hot skillet, sear the marinated chicken pieces until they develop a beautiful browned crust. This caramelization adds a great texture and intensifies the flavors before the chicken cozies up to the sauce. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed to get that perfect sear.
Step 4: Simmer the Chicken in Honey BBQ Sauce
Once browned, pour the Honey BBQ sauce over the chicken in the skillet, stirring to coat every piece in its glossy, sticky goodness. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for 20 to 25 minutes. This slow simmer transforms the chicken into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness while the sauce thickens and clings perfectly to every bite.
Step 5: Cook the Rice
Rinse the rice well to remove excess starch and cook it gently in chicken broth with butter (or olive oil) and salt. This method infuses the rice with savory depth and a silky texture that pairs beautifully as the base for the saucy chicken topping. Once cooked, let it rest before fluffing to maintain light, separate grains.
Step 6: Assemble the Dish
Dish out fluffy rice onto plates or bowls, spoon generous amounts of the Honey BBQ chicken over the top, and don’t be shy with the extra sauce! Finish with scattered chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a delightful crunch, a burst of freshness, and a hint of heat.
How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Adding chopped green onions and sesame seeds not only brightens the dish visually but also introduces fresh and nutty notes that contrast deliciously with the rich chicken. Red pepper flakes offer a touch of spice if you like a bit of a kick, making every mouthful exciting.
Side Dishes
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe is quite satisfying on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed vegetables, a crisp garden salad, or even creamy coleslaw. These add balance by lending crunch and fresh textures that elevate the overall meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken and rice in lettuce wraps or over roasted sweet potatoes for an added layer of sweetness and texture. You can also turn it into a vibrant grain bowl by adding avocado slices, pickled onions, or a dollop of sour cream to personalize each serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover Honey BBQ chicken and rice separately in airtight containers. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents the rice from becoming mushy. Refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days, making for easy, delicious meals later in the week.
Freezing
Both the cooked chicken in the Honey BBQ sauce and the rice freeze well. Portion them into freezer-safe containers and label them for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent overcooking, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Warm the rice covered in the microwave or stovetop with a bit of water or broth to bring back its fluffy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but keep in mind that thighs remain juicier and more forgiving during cooking. If you choose breasts, watch the cooking time carefully to prevent dryness.
Is the Honey BBQ sauce difficult to make from scratch?
Not at all. The sauce comes together quickly with pantry staples and only requires gentle simmering to thicken. You can also swap in a quality store-bought Honey BBQ sauce if you’re short on time.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure your Worcestershire sauce and BBQ sauce are gluten-free, and use gluten-free chicken broth if needed. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What type of rice works best for this recipe?
Long-grain rice such as basmati or jasmine is ideal because it cooks up fluffy and separate, making the perfect base for the saucy chicken. Avoid sticky or short-grain rice which can become too clumpy.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level is mild by default with a gentle warmth from the smoked paprika and chili powder. You can increase the cayenne pepper or add extra red pepper flakes if you prefer more heat.
Final Thoughts
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe strikes the perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and smoky depth with every forkful. It’s approachable for cooks of all levels and guaranteed to become a go-to favorite whether for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners. Give it a try, and watch how quickly it disappears from the plate and earns you compliments all around!
Print
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs smothered in a homemade honey BBQ sauce, served over fluffy long-grain rice. This comforting meal combines smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors for a satisfying dinner perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Honey BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup Honey BBQ Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Rice
- 2 cups long-grain rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Garnishes
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Honey BBQ Sauce (Optional): In a medium saucepan, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper if using.
- Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sauce after simmering and adjust by adding more honey for sweetness, apple cider vinegar for tang, or cayenne pepper for heat as desired.
- Cool the Sauce: Remove from heat and let the sauce cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry and cut into 1-inch pieces if not done already. In a large bowl, toss chicken with olive oil and spices including smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Marinate: Cover and refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook in batches if needed, searing each side for about 2-3 minutes until nicely browned.
- Add Honey BBQ Sauce: Pour the prepared honey BBQ sauce over the seared chicken. Stir to coat evenly.
- Simmer the Chicken: Bring the sauce to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens. Chicken should be tender and shreddable.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Optional Shredding: If desired, shred the chicken directly in the skillet using two forks for extra tenderness.
- Cook the Rice: Rinse rice to remove excess starch. In a medium saucepan, combine rice, chicken broth (or water), butter or olive oil, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Rice: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and cook for 18-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Rest and Fluff Rice: Remove saucepan from heat and let it sit covered for 5-10 minutes. Then fluff rice with a fork.
- Assemble the Dish: Spoon cooked rice into bowls, top generously with honey BBQ chicken, and garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken enhances flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
- Cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted based on heat preference.
- Using chicken broth instead of water to cook rice adds extra flavor.
- Shredding chicken is optional and adds texture variety to the dish.
- Leftover honey BBQ sauce can be refrigerated for up to one week.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the skillet when searing chicken to get a good brown crust.
