Easy Honey BBQ Chicken with Rice (Quick Dinner Idea)
Looking for a quick and delicious dinner that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? This Easy Honey BBQ Chicken with Rice is the perfect solution. Sweet, smoky, and satisfying—this one-pan meal is ideal for busy weeknights, students, or anyone craving comfort food in a hurry.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Honey BBQ Chicken with Rice Recipe
- ✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes.
- ✅ Family-Friendly: Kids and adults both love the sweet BBQ flavor.
- ✅ Minimal Ingredients: Pantry staples, no fancy stuff needed.
- ✅ Perfect Meal Prep Option: Makes great leftovers for lunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious honey BBQ chicken with rice:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Honey BBQ Sauce:
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional for tang)
For the Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken with Rice
Step 1: Cook the Rice
In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water (or chicken broth) to a boil. Add rice and a pinch of salt. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15–18 minutes or until the rice is tender and fluffy.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook until golden and fully cooked through (about 6–8 minutes).
Step 3: Make the Honey BBQ Sauce
In a small bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir and let it simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken well.
Step 4: Assemble
Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and serve with the hot honey BBQ chicken on top or on the side. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for a little extra flair.
Tips for Success
- 🔥 Use leftover rotisserie chicken to make it even quicker.
- 🌿 Add steamed broccoli or sautéed bell peppers for a complete one-bowl meal.
- 🍚 Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist.
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Microwave for 1–2 minutes or reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to keep the chicken moist.
Variations to Try
- Spicy BBQ Version: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or chili flakes.
- Grilled Chicken Option: Grill chicken breasts and glaze with honey BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
- Sheet Pan Style: Bake everything together in the oven for hands-free cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Honey BBQ Chicken with Rice is your go-to dinner when you’re short on time but don’t want to compromise on flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or just cooking for one, this sweet and savory dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it tonight and enjoy a homemade dinner that tastes like takeout—without the cost or the wait!