Honey BBQ Chicken Rice has become my go-to weeknight savior, and I’m so excited to share this Honey BBQ chicken and rice recipe with you! I remember the first time I made it; the smell of the sweet and smoky barbecue sauce mingling with the tender chicken filled my kitchen, making my stomach rumble. It’s so incredibly easy to make, truly an easy honey BBQ chicken with rice dish that even beginners can master. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a little bit of tang, all in one comforting bowl. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

The taste is absolutely incredible – a perfect blend of sweet and savory that makes for a truly satisfying sweet and savory chicken rice bowl.
It’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
This dish is surprisingly budget-friendly, using common ingredients that won’t break the bank.
It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for picky eaters and family dinners alike.
You get a delicious sweet and savory chicken rice bowl experience without all the fuss of multiple pans.
It’s a balanced meal that’s both comforting and relatively healthy, especially when you control the sauce.
The preparation is minimal, meaning less time chopping and more time enjoying your meal.
It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice or rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Ingredients

Gathering your Honey BBQ chicken rice ingredients is the first step to this delicious meal. I love how simple these are to find at any grocery store.

1 tablespoon olive oil – a good base for sautéing
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced – I find chicken breast cooks quickly and evenly
Salt and black pepper to taste – essential for bringing out flavor
1 teaspoon garlic powder – adds a foundational savory note
1 small onion, diced – about ½ cup, for sweetness and depth
1 red bell pepper, diced – adds a pop of color and a slight sweetness
1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen) – I often use frozen for convenience
1 ½ cups cooked white rice – leftover rice is perfect here!
¾ cup honey barbecue sauce – the star of the show!
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – for that melty, cheesy goodness
2 green onions, sliced, for garnish – adds a fresh bite and color

How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious Honey BBQ Chicken Rice! It’s a straightforward process that guarantees a fantastic meal every time.

Step 1: Get your oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). While that warms up, grab a large, oven-safe skillet. Add the 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet and place it over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your diced chicken. Season it generously with salt and black pepper to taste, plus the 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until it’s cooked through and has a nice light brown color.
Step 2: Now, toss in the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté these for 3 to 4 minutes until they start to soften up beautifully. You’ll notice the aroma really picking up! Stir in the corn and let it cook for another minute, just to warm it through.
Step 3: Reduce the heat under the skillet to low. This is important to prevent the rice from sticking. Add the 1 ½ cups cooked white rice to the skillet. Pour the ¾ cup honey barbecue sauce all over the mixture. Gently stir everything together until the rice and chicken are completely coated in that luscious barbecue sauce. This step is key to how to make honey BBQ chicken rice taste amazing.
Step 4: Sprinkle the ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Once the cheese is distributed, cover the skillet with a lid. Let it sit for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey.
Step 5: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your beautiful Honey BBQ Chicken Rice with the sliced green onions. Serve it hot right from the skillet for the ultimate comfort food experience! This simple method for how to make honey BBQ chicken rice is perfect for any night of the week.

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Pro Tips for the Best Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

I’ve made this dish countless times, and these little tricks really elevate it from good to absolutely amazing. Follow these for your best Honey BBQ Chicken Rice yet!

For the juiciest chicken, don’t overcook it in the first step. It will finish cooking with the rice and sauce.
Feel free to add other veggies like broccoli florets or peas along with the corn for extra nutrients and color.
If you don’t have honey barbecue sauce, you can make your own by combining ketchup, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Using day-old rice is actually better as it’s drier and won’t make the dish mushy.

What’s the secret to perfect Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?

The secret to that perfect, irresistible flavor lies in the sauce balance and ensuring the rice absorbs all those delicious flavors. Achieving that lovely glazed chicken and rice with BBQ sauce look comes from letting the sauce simmer just slightly with the rice.

Can I make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely prepare the components ahead of time! Cook the chicken and vegetables, and have your rice ready. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Then, combine and heat everything when you’re ready to eat.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?

A common pitfall is using dry, overcooked chicken. Make sure to cook it just until done in the first step. Also, avoid using hot, freshly cooked rice, as it can become gummy. Let your cooked rice cool slightly before adding it to the skillet.

Best Ways to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a complete meal on its own, but I love to serve it with a few simple additions to make it even more special. It’s so versatile!

For a fantastic pairing, try serving it alongside some steamed broccoli or green beans. The slight bitterness of the greens really cuts through the sweetness of the sauce, making for a lovely contrast.
You could also serve it with a side of corn on the cob during the summer months – it really complements the corn already in the skillet.
If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial or want to lean into that comfort food vibe, consider serving it with a side of creamy coleslaw. It’s a classic pairing that works wonderfully.
For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, think about serving it with a side of crispy tortilla chips or even as a filling for wraps. It also makes a delicious barbecue chicken with sticky rice option if you serve it over a bed of fluffy sticky rice.

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Nutrition Facts for Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice dish is a flavorful and satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving:

Calories: 450
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 600mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

How to Store and Reheat Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is fantastic for leftovers, making it a perfect choice for a quick honey BBQ chicken rice meal later in the week. Once cooked, let the dish cool down to room temperature – this usually takes about an hour. Then, transfer the cooled chicken and rice mixture into airtight containers. These are great for storing in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to reheat, you have a couple of easy options. For a single serving, microwave it on high for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. If you’ve stored a larger portion or prefer a slightly crispier texture, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth to help loosen things up, until it’s warm all the way through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Can I use different types of rice for this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for white rice, you can easily adapt it. Brown rice works well, though it might take a little longer to cook if you’re preparing it from scratch. For a really quick meal, using leftover rice is ideal. Many people find that a simple honey BBQ chicken rice recipe is even easier with pre-cooked rice.

What other vegetables can I add to this dish?

This dish is very forgiving and great for using up whatever veggies you have on hand! I often add frozen peas, diced zucchini, or even some chopped broccoli florets along with the bell pepper and onion. The key is to ensure they’re cut small enough to cook through in the skillet. This flexibility makes it a fantastic base for a simple honey BBQ chicken rice recipe.

How can I make this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice spicier?

If you like a little heat, you have a few options! You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken when you season it, or stir in a tablespoon or two of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce along with the barbecue sauce. Some people even use a spicier BBQ sauce as the base. Experimenting with heat levels is part of what makes a simple honey BBQ chicken rice recipe so much fun!

Is it possible to make this a healthier Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?

Yes, you can certainly make this recipe healthier. Opt for a lower-sugar, lower-sodium barbecue sauce. You can also swap the white rice for brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Adding more vegetables, like spinach or kale wilted in at the end, is another great way to boost the nutrient profile of your simple honey BBQ chicken rice recipe.

Variations of Honey BBQ Chicken Rice You Can Try

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is so adaptable! I love experimenting with different flavors and methods to keep things interesting. Here are a few of my favorite variations:

Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, try my spicy honey BBQ chicken rice recipe. Simply add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken as it cooks, or stir in a tablespoon of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce with the BBQ sauce. This adds a wonderful warmth that complements the sweet glaze beautifully.
Healthier Twist: For a lighter option, consider my healthy honey BBQ chicken rice recipe. Swap the white rice for brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb meal. Look for reduced-sugar BBQ sauces or make your own with natural sweeteners to control the sugar content. Loading up on extra veggies like spinach or kale is also a great way to boost nutrients.
Slow Cooker Magic: Want an even easier method? Use your slow cooker! Combine the chicken, BBQ sauce, and seasonings in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours until tender. Shred the chicken, then stir in the cooked rice and corn for the last 30 minutes. It’s a fantastic way to get that barbecue chicken with sticky rice flavor with minimal effort.
Oven Baked Perfection: For a hands-off approach, bake the ingredients in a casserole dish. Combine everything except the cheese, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, then top with cheese and bake for another 5 minutes until melted.