How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice in 30 Minutes

Hey there, fellow foodies! Are you ready for a dish that’s as delicious as it is quick? Today, I’m super excited to share this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe that’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something tasty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. This recipe is all about combining sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in one pot, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes! Plus, it’s a great option for quick family dinners or when you need some warm weather dinner ideas that won’t leave you slaving away over the stove.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make—ready in 30 minutes!
• Perfect for weeknight dinner ideas or on-the-go meals.
• A balanced mix of protein, carbs, and veggies in one pot.
• Budget-friendly and uses pantry staples.
• Customizable with your favorite veggies or BBQ sauce.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
• Chopped green onions or parsley

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s dive into how to make this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for quick and easy healthy dinner recipes!

Step 1: Heat the Pan

Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. While the pan is warming up, season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This blend gives the chicken a smoky, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the honey and BBQ sauce.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Add a drizzle of oil to the pan and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked yet—it’ll finish cooking later with the rice.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. This step enhances the flavor of the rice and ensures it cooks evenly.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Chicken

Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey. Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Add Veggies and Finish Cooking

After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice. Cover again and continue cooking for 5 more minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F/74°C). Turn off the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot! This dish is perfect as a standalone meal or paired with a simple side salad, like my Cucumber Vinegar Salad, Broccoli Salad, or Corn Salad.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are a few tips to make this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice even better:

• Use your favorite BBQ sauce—sweet, spicy, or whatever you prefer!
• Fresh veggies work great, but frozen veggies are a convenient option too.
• If you prefer a creamier dish, you can add a splash of heavy cream or Greek yogurt toward the end of cooking.
• For extra flavor, add a splash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top.

How to Serve

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to add some extra sides, here are a few ideas:

• A fresh green salad
• Garlic bread
• Steamed vegetables
• A side of fruit

It’s also a great option for meal prep or potlucks because it’s easy to transport and serves a crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

If you’re planning to make this ahead of time, you can prepare the ingredients (chop veggies, season chicken) and store them separately in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to cook, just throw everything in the pan and go!

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

And there you have it—Honey BBQ Chicken Rice that’s quick, delicious, and perfect for any night of the week. It’s one of those high-protein dinners for the family that everyone will love, and it’s budget-friendly too! Let me know in the comments how you customize it to your taste. Happy cooking! 🍳