Get ready for a flavor explosion in a single pot! This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken and fluffy long-grain rice, all cooked together in a rich, sweet, and smoky honey BBQ sauce. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor.
This comforting skillet dish is packed with savory chicken, vibrant mixed vegetables, and an incredible sticky sauce that cooks directly into the rice for maximum depth.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: Sweet and smoky from the honey and BBQ sauce, savory and deeply aromatic from the blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Textures: The chicken is seared and then simmered to be incredibly tender, the rice is fluffy and moist, and the mixed vegetables offer a welcome bit of crunch and freshness.
- Time Commitment: This recipe requires about 15 minutes of active preparation time (chopping/rinsing) and about 20–25 minutes of hands-off simmer time.
- Difficulty: Easy. This is an approachable one-pot meal using a simple searing technique followed by the tried-and-true method of cooking rice in a flavorful broth.
What You’ll Need
This is a true one-pot wonder, relying on a large skillet or Dutch oven to build flavor in layers. The main components are the bite-sized chicken pieces, which are generously seasoned and seared, and the long-grain white rice. The cooking liquid is a robust blend of chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey, which creates a sticky, flavorful glaze as it cooks down.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts – Use whatever you prefer! Chicken thighs are naturally higher in fat and remain incredibly juicy, while chicken breasts keep the dish lean. Cut them into consistent bite-sized pieces for even searing and cooking.
- Long-Grain White Rice – This rice variety holds up well during the cooking process. Rinsing it thoroughly is mandatory to remove excess starch, which prevents the final dish from becoming too sticky or gummy.
- BBQ Sauce – The recipe recommends mesquite for a deeper, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the paprika and honey. Feel free to use your favorite variety, but note that sweet sauces may need slightly less honey.
- Smoked Paprika – This seasoning is crucial for adding a depth of smoky flavor that complements the BBQ sauce, turning simple chicken and rice into something special.
Add-ins and Substitutions
This versatile dish is easy to customize to your taste:
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or stir in a teaspoon of hot sauce along with the BBQ sauce and honey.
- Different Grains: You can try substituting the white rice with brown rice, but you will need to increase the chicken broth and the overall covered simmering time.
- Spice Swap: If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika, but you will lose the smoky depth. A dash of liquid smoke added to the broth can help restore some of that flavor.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to swap out the mixed vegetables for diced zucchini, corn, or thinly sliced mushrooms.
How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
The key to this incredible one-pan meal is building flavor by searing the chicken and toasting the rice before adding the liquid.
Step 1: Prep Ingredients and Season Chicken
If using chicken breasts, cut them into 1-inch cubes; chicken thighs can be left slightly larger. In a small bowl, mix all the seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear, then drain it thoroughly. Measure and prepare all other ingredients.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sprinkle half of the seasoning mixture over the chicken pieces. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pan in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding). Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown, but the chicken does not need to be cooked all the way through yet. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set it aside.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Using the same pan (leaving the flavorful drippings behind), add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the rinsed and drained rice to the pan along with the remaining seasoning mixture. Stir constantly and cook for 1–2 minutes until the rice becomes slightly translucent around the edges and smells wonderfully toasty. This step, called toasting, significantly adds depth of flavor to the final dish.
Step 4: Add Liquid and Simmer
Carefully pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey (be careful of splatters). Stir well to combine, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan these contain tons of flavor! Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat immediately to low.
- First Cook: Add the seared chicken back into the pan, nestling the pieces into the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and simmer on low heat for exactly 15 minutes.
Pro Tip: When the rice is simmering, resist the urge to lift the lid or stir the mixture. Steam is essential for properly cooking the rice. Lifting the lid releases the steam, which can result in unevenly cooked or crunchy rice!
Step 5: Finish Cooking and Rest
- After the 15-minute simmer, quickly lift the lid and add the mixed vegetables on top of the rice and chicken, spreading them evenly.
- Cover the pan again immediately and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender, the vegetables are heated through, and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the rice to fully absorb any remaining liquid and helps the flavors meld together.
Step 6: Fluff and Garnish
After resting, uncover the pan and gently fluff the rice with a fork, carefully incorporating the vegetables. Sprinkle the sliced green onions and/or chopped parsley over the top if using. For an extra punch of flavor, drizzle a small amount of additional BBQ sauce over the dish just before serving. Serve hot, directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation.
Recipe Tips
- Rinse the Rice: Do not skip rinsing the rice! It removes excess starch, which is vital for preventing the dish from turning into a thick, sticky mush and ensures fluffy grains.
- The Power of Searing: Searing the chicken first locks in juices and creates a seasoned, browned crust that adds incredible flavor complexity to the entire dish.
- Watch the Heat: Once the broth is added, keep the heat on low. The goal is a gentle simmer, not a vigorous boil, to ensure the rice cooks evenly without scorching the bottom.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). If the rice is fully tender but the chicken is not quite there, keep it covered for an extra 1–2 minutes off the heat.
FAQs
Q: Can I use instant rice or brown rice? A: This recipe is developed for long-grain white rice. Instant rice will overcook quickly, and brown rice requires significantly more liquid and a much longer cooking time (around 40–50 minutes covered).
Q: Why do I have to toast the rice? A: Toasting the rice (a technique called pilaf) adds a layer of nutty, deep flavor to the grain and helps the rice grains maintain their shape during the long simmer, preventing them from becoming mushy.
Q: Can I add all the vegetables in at the beginning? A: The mixed vegetables are added later to prevent them from becoming overcooked and soggy. Adding them in the last 5 minutes keeps them bright, slightly firm, and full of color.
Q: How should I store leftovers? A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth to the container before microwaving to help rehydrate the rice.
Serving Suggestions
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a satisfying meal on its own, but pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides:
- A light, crisp garden salad with a neutral vinaigrette.
- Steamed broccoli or asparagus spears for a simple green vegetable.
- A side of cornbread for soaking up the extra sauce.
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top to cool the dish slightly.
Make This Recipe in Advance
This recipe is best served fresh right after the resting period, but you can definitely do some prep work ahead of time:
- Chicken Prep: Cut the chicken pieces and mix the seasonings up to 1 day in advance. Store the chicken covered in the refrigerator.
- Rice Rinsing: The rice can be rinsed a few hours ahead of time. Just ensure it is completely drained and stored covered until you are ready to toast it.
- Storage: The finished dish can be stored as noted in the FAQs, but the flavor and texture are best within 24 hours of cooking.
One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Skillet
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is an effortless and flavorful one-pot meal that minimizes cleanup. It features tender, bite-sized chicken pieces and fluffy long-grain white rice cooked directly in a sweet, rich, and smoky honey BBQ sauce. Packed with seasonings and mixed vegetables, this skillet dish is a hearty and deeply comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main 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 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil, divided
Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- 2–3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra drizzle of BBQ sauce
Instructions
Prep Ingredients and Season Chicken
Cut the chicken into consistent bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, mix all the seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear, then drain thoroughly.
Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sprinkle half of the seasoning mixture over the chicken. Add the chicken to the pan in a single layer and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown (it does not need to be cooked through). Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set it aside.
Toast the Rice
Using the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the rinsed and drained rice to the pan along with the remaining seasoning mixture. Stir constantly and cook for 1–2 minutes until the rice is slightly translucent around the edges and smells toasty.
Add Liquid and Simmer
Carefully pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Add the seared chicken back into the pan, nestling the pieces into the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and simmer on low heat for exactly 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
Finish Cooking and Rest
After the 15-minute simmer, lift the lid and add the mixed vegetables on top of the rice and chicken, spreading them evenly. Cover the pan again immediately and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for a crucial 5 minutes.
Fluff and Garnish
After resting, uncover the pan and gently fluff the rice with a fork, incorporating the vegetables. Sprinkle the sliced green onions and/or chopped parsley over the top. Drizzle with a small amount of additional BBQ sauce just before serving.
Notes
Rinsing the Rice is Mandatory: To ensure your final dish is fluffy and not gummy, you must rinse the long-grain white rice thoroughly until the water runs completely clear. This removes excess starch.
Resist the Urge to Peek: During the simmering steps, do not lift the lid or stir the rice. The trapped steam is essential for cooking the rice properly and evenly. Lifting the lid releases the steam and can lead to crunchy, unevenly cooked grains.
Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add 1-2 tablespoons of chicken broth to the container before microwaving to help rehydrate the rice and restore the sauce’s moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the dish
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 75g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, Chicken and Rice, One-Pot Meal, Skillet Dinner, Weeknight Dinner, BBQ Rice
