I’ll be honest — the first time I heard of mixing honey BBQ sauce with chicken and rice, I wasn’t convinced. It sounded like a strange combo. But once I tried it, everything changed. The flavors just clicked — sweet, smoky, and perfectly balanced. Now it’s a weekly favorite in my house. You’ll love this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice too.
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need for Honey BBQ Sauce with Chicken and Rice
Creating a delicious Honey BBQ Chicken Rice dish starts with a few simple, flavor-packed ingredients. Here’s everything you need to get started:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – lean and perfect for quick cooking. (Keyword: chicken breast pasta dinner)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice – fluffy and ideal for soaking up the sauce.
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce – sweet and smoky, the star of the recipe.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – adds warmth and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – for subtle savory flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika – enhances the BBQ taste.
- Salt and pepper – to taste.
- Fresh parsley, chopped – for garnish and color. (Keyword: fresh parsley garnish)
- Optional: red chili flakes – if you like a little heat.
Don’t stop here—my Pinterest is packed with flavor!
Let’s Get Cooking Honey BBQ Sauce with Chicken and Rice
Follow these simple steps to make your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice:
Step 1: Cook the rice
In a medium pot, cook 1 cup of long-grain white rice according to the package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 2: Prep the chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized cubes. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
Step 3: Sear the chicken
In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
Step 4: Add the BBQ sauce
Reduce the heat to low. Pour in 1/2 cup of honey BBQ sauce. Stir well to coat all the chicken pieces. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the chicken.
Step 5: Combine and garnish
Spoon the cooked rice onto plates or into bowls. Top with the sticky honey BBQ chicken. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Optional: Add red chili flakes if you like a little spice.
My Rice & Flavor Tips for Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Over time, I’ve picked up a few simple tricks that take this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice from good to unforgettable:
1. Use fresh chicken breast
Fresh chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy. If you’re using frozen, make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking for the best texture.
2. Don’t rush the sear
Let the chicken sit in the pan for a couple of minutes before stirring. This gives you that golden, caramelized layer that locks in flavor.
3. Go with long-grain white rice
It stays fluffy and doesn’t clump, making it the perfect base to absorb the smoky honey BBQ sauce.
4. Let the sauce simmer
After adding the sauce, don’t turn the heat off too soon. Letting it simmer for a couple of minutes helps it thicken slightly and fully coat the chicken.
5. Fresh parsley makes a difference
A small sprinkle of fresh parsley garnish adds brightness and balance to the dish. It also looks beautiful on the plate.
These little touches are what turn a simple meal into something worth sharing. And if you’re cooking for kids? This is a kid-approved recipe they’ll ask for again and again.
FAQS
Should I cook chicken or rice first?
It’s best to cook the rice first or at the same time in a separate pot. This way, by the time your honey BBQ chicken is ready, the rice is done and fluffy. It keeps the cooking process efficient and mess-free.
What goes well with honey barbecue chicken?
Honey BBQ chicken pairs beautifully with white rice, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or even corn on the cob. For a fresh finish, garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon. You can also serve it in a bowl with a side of salad or grilled pineapple for a sweet contrast.
Can you cook raw chicken and rice at the same time?
Technically yes, but for food safety and flavor control, it’s better to cook them separately. This ensures the chicken breast is perfectly seared and the rice stays fluffy — no soggy texture or uneven cooking.
What is the cooking method for chicken rice?
For this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, the method is simple:
Sear the seasoned chicken in a pan until cooked.
Add your BBQ sauce and simmer.
Meanwhile, cook your rice separately.
Combine and serve with fresh herbs.
It’s a quick, beginner-friendly recipe that delivers on flavor every time.
Why This Recipe Works
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe hits all the right notes: it’s sweet, smoky, comforting, and incredibly simple to make. Here’s why it works so well:
Balanced flavor in every bite
The honey adds sweetness, the BBQ sauce brings smokiness, and the spices tie everything together. The result is a well-rounded, crave-worthy dish.
Simple ingredients, big flavor
You don’t need a long grocery list. Everything is easy to find — from chicken breast to BBQ sauce — but the flavor feels like restaurant quality.
It’s family- and kid-approved
This is a meal that everyone at the table will enjoy. The flavor is bold but not too spicy, making it a top choice for family-friendly pasta recipes (or in this case, rice).
Quick and flexible
You can make this in under 30 minutes, and it’s easy to double the batch for meal prep or leftovers. Add vegetables like bell peppers or corn if you want to bulk it up.
Looks great, tastes even better
That glossy BBQ-coated chicken on a bed of fluffy rice, finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley garnish, looks as good as it tastes.
Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor in every spoonful.
Switch It Up
Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some simple ways to switch things up while keeping the sweet and smoky base of this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice:
1. Add veggies
Toss in diced bell peppers, corn, or peas while cooking the chicken for added color and texture. It turns the dish into a complete one-pan meal.
2. Swap the protein
Not a fan of chicken breast? Try shredded rotisserie chicken for a shortcut, or use boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness. You can even try it with grilled shrimp for a summer twist.
3. Make it creamy
Stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or a splash of milk after the BBQ sauce for a rich, creamy finish — a nod to your favorite heavy cream pasta sauce style.
4. Turn it into a bowl
Layer the rice, chicken, and veggies in a bowl and top with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese freshly grated. It adds saltiness and depth that pairs beautifully with the BBQ sweetness.
5. Try different rice
Swap white rice with brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a lower-carb version.
These easy tweaks let you customize the meal to your taste — or to what’s in your fridge — while keeping it a reliable, family-friendly dinner every time.
Honey BBQ Sauce with Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: red chili flakes
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package instructions. Fluff and set aside.
- Season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, add honey BBQ sauce, stir to coat chicken. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Serve chicken over rice, garnish with fresh parsley. Add chili flakes if desired.
Notes
- For extra veggies, add bell peppers or corn when cooking the chicken.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- Try with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.