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Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

This Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is a sweet, smoky, and satisfying one-skillet meal that’s ready in 40 minutes. Juicy chicken, tender rice, and colorful vegetables come together in a sticky honey BBQ glaze — all made in one pan for easy cleanup!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 425

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 (peas, carrots, corn, bell peppers)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil, divided
  • 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
  • 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • extra drizzle of BBQ sauce

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Fine-Mesh Strainer
  • Mixing bowl
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Mix seasonings together. Rinse and drain rice until water runs clear. Measure out remaining ingredients.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken with half the spice mixture. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add remaining oil to the pan. Add rice and the rest of the seasoning. Stir and toast for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and slightly translucent.
  4. Carefully add chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
  5. Return chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture. Cover tightly and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  6. Quickly add mixed vegetables on top, re-cover, and cook another 5 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C).
  7. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice gently, garnish with green onions or parsley, and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

Make it spicy: Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Brown rice option: Use 2 1/2 cups broth and increase the simmering time to 30–35 minutes before adding the vegetables.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.

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