Description

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a comforting, flavorful main dish that pairs tender, juicy chicken glazed in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce with fluffy rice. Quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe delivers big flavors with minimal fuss, making it a sure hit for families and meal preppers alike.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Honey BBQ Sauce:

1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

For the Rice:

2 cups cooked white or brown rice (from about 1 cup uncooked)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or scallions, for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Make the Honey BBQ Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and combined.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and cooked through.
Glaze the Chicken: Pour the Honey BBQ Sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir well to coat, and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and caramelize slightly around the chicken.
Prepare the Rice: While the chicken cooks, prepare the rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and stir in butter, if using, for extra richness.
Assemble and Serve: Divide the cooked rice between bowls. Top with the honey BBQ chicken, spooning extra sauce over each portion. Garnish with chopped parsley or scallions and serve hot.

Notes

For extra smokiness, use smoked BBQ sauce or add a pinch of chipotle powder to the sauce.
This recipe works well with rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken.
To make it a complete meal, serve with steamed veggies or a simple side salad.
You can use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 405
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 49g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 65mg