This Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is a hearty one-pan meal that brings together tender, golden chicken, fluffy rice, and a sweet-smoky sauce with just the right amount of heat. With caramelized edges, rich flavors, and colorful vegetables, it’s a comforting dish that feels like home but comes together in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🍯 Sweet & Smoky: The combination of honey and mesquite-style BBQ sauce creates a rich, balanced flavor.
- 🍚 One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup—everything cooks together in one skillet or Dutch oven.
- 🥦 Veggie Boost: Peas, carrots, corn, and peppers add color, crunch, and nutrition.
- ⏱️ Fast & Foolproof: Ready in under 30 minutes—no complicated steps required.
- 🎉 Great for Sharing: A family-friendly dish everyone will love, from kids to adults.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Chicken & Rice Base:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs , cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice , rinsed and drained
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (mesquite or smoked varieties recommended)
- ¼ cup honey (for a touch of sweetness and shine)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, bell peppers – fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil , divided
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt , or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper , or to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
In a small bowl, mix all the seasonings together.
Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Drain well.
Have your vegetables and other ingredients measured and ready to go.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat .
Sprinkle half of the seasoning mixture over the chicken pieces.
Add the chicken to the pan in a single layer (cook in batches if needed), and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown—but not fully cooked through yet.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil .
Add the rinsed rice and remaining seasoning , stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes , until the rice turns slightly translucent and becomes fragrant.
This step enhances the nutty flavor of the rice and gives depth to the final dish.
Step 4: Add Liquids & Return Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth , BBQ sauce , and honey .
Stir well to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom—they’re full of flavor!
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Nestle the seared chicken pieces into the rice mixture, distributing them evenly.
Step 5: Simmer Until Absorbed
Cover the skillet tightly with a lid and simmer for 15 minutes —do not lift the lid or stir during this time! This allows the rice to cook properly without becoming mushy.
After 15 minutes, quickly spread the mixed vegetables on top of the rice.
Cover again and continue cooking for 5 more minutes , or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F (74°C) .
Step 6: Rest & Fluff
Remove from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes . This helps the rice finish steaming and absorb any excess liquid.
Gently fluff the rice with a fork, incorporating the vegetables as you go.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Top with sliced green onions and chopped parsley if desired.
For extra flavor, drizzle with a bit more BBQ sauce before serving.
Serve hot straight from the skillet or transfer to a serving dish.
Tips for Success:
- 🔪 Use Fresh Vegetables: For better texture and vibrant color—thaw frozen ones slightly before adding.
- 🧈 Chicken Thighs Work Best: Juicier and more forgiving than breast meat.
- 🍚 Rice Tip: Rinsing removes excess starch and ensures separate grains.
- 🍽️ Make Ahead Magic: Reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven—store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- 🌶️ Adjust Sweetness/Spice: Use mild or spicy BBQ sauce depending on preference.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with warm crusty bread or dinner rolls.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to cool things down.
- Pair with a simple coleslaw or roasted broccoli for a classic Southern-style plate.
Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 4):
(Approximate values – based on chicken thighs and mixed veggies)
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fat: ~18g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~10g
This Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice is a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting and homemade. With its smoky BBQ notes, hint of sweetness, and soft rice—it’s comfort food at its finest.
So go ahead and make this tonight… because dinner doesn’t get much better than this!
