Hello, I’m Sam. Since retiring, I’ve grown to love meals that bring comfort without the rush. This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is one of those dependable dishes, sweet, smoky, and perfectly filling. It’s quick to make, uses pantry staples, and fills the house with that unmistakable barbecue aroma. If you like dinners that feel homemade without being fussy, this one fits right in.
A Bowl Full of Comfort
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is the kind of meal that feels like a backyard cookout in a single bowl. Tender chicken coated in a sticky honey barbecue glaze rests over warm rice, soaking up every bit of flavor. It’s balanced, satisfying, and comes together in less than 30 minutes, great for weeknights when you want something warm but easy.
If you love quick comfort meals like Chicken Cutlets Recipe or Peanut Chicken Protein Bowl, this recipe will quickly earn a place in your rotation.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup honey barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the rice:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or white rice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for flavor)
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Optional toppings:
- Sesame seeds
- Extra drizzle of honey BBQ sauce
- Chopped parsley or green onion
Instructions
- Cook the chicken.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. - Make the sauce.
In a small bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and stir. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly. - Prepare the rice.
In another pan, warm butter over low heat and stir in cooked rice. Add soy sauce if desired and mix well. - Assemble the bowls.
Spoon rice into bowls, top with saucy honey BBQ chicken, and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. - Serve warm.
Add a drizzle of extra honey BBQ sauce if you like things saucier.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Quick and hearty: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Family-friendly: Sweet barbecue flavor everyone enjoys.
- Great leftovers: Perfect for lunch the next day.
If you enjoy this one, try my Air Fryer Salmon Bites or Beef Protein Bowl Recipe for other quick, flavor-packed meals.
Tips from Sam
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat.
- For a smoky twist, mix in a dash of smoked paprika.
- Swap rice for brown rice or quinoa if you prefer extra fiber.
Nutrition (per serving, 4 servings)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 16g
- Sugar: 22g
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice: A Sweet and Savory Weeknight Favorite
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A quick and flavorful Honey BBQ Chicken Rice bowl with sweet smoky chicken and buttery rice.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup honey barbecue sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp soy sauce
½ tsp garlic powder
2 cups cooked jasmine or white rice
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp soy sauce (optional)
1 green onion, sliced
Sesame seeds for topping
Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
2. Whisk together barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Pour over chicken and simmer 3–4 minutes.
3. Warm butter in a pan, stir in cooked rice, and season lightly.
4. Spoon rice into bowls, top with chicken and sauce, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
5. Serve warm with extra sauce if desired.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
Add smoked paprika for a richer BBQ flavor.
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American