Bring the flavor of a summer cookout indoors with this effortless Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. This one-pan wonder strikes the perfect balance between sweet, smoky, and savory. Juicy chunks of chicken breast are simmered in a homemade honey BBQ sauce alongside tender rice and colorful vegetables. As it cooks, the rice absorbs all that tangy BBQ goodness, creating a sticky, satisfying meal that is much healthier than takeout. It’s a “set it and forget it” stovetop meal that delivers big on taste with minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pan Magic
Who likes doing dishes? Nobody. This entire meal—protein, starch, and veggies—cooks in a single skillet. The chicken stays incredibly moist because it steams gently on top of the rice and sauce. The cleanup is a breeze, giving you more time to relax in the evening.
Kid-Approved Flavor
The combination of honey and BBQ sauce is a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s sweet enough to be appealing but balanced with savory soy sauce and garlic. You can control the sugar content by choosing your favorite BBQ sauce. Plus, hiding corn and peppers in the mix is a great way to get veggies into picky eaters without a fight.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- 0.5 cup corn kernels
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
- Sear chicken in a skillet. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté pepper and onion. Add rice and toast briefly.
- Stir in broth, BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and garlic. Return chicken.
- Cover and simmer on low for 20 minutes.
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Stir in corn and serve.
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces.
Rice: Long-grain white rice or Jasmine rice works best for the timing.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite bottle—Sweet Baby Ray’s or a smoky hickory style work well.
Honey: Adds a natural glaze and sweetness.
Corn: Frozen or canned corn adds a nice crunch.
Chicken Broth: The cooking liquid that flavors the rice.
Bell Pepper: Adds color and nutrition.
Smart Substitutions
Brown rice can be used, but you will need to increase the liquid (about 1/2 cup more) and the cooking time significantly (about 45 minutes total). You can swap the chicken for pork tenderloin cubes or sliced kielbasa sausage. Pineapple tidbits are a fantastic addition that turns this into a Hawaiian BBQ dish. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Dice the chicken breast, onion, and bell pepper. Rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear (this prevents mushy, sticky rice).
Cooking Phase
In a large skillet with a lid, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces until browned on the outside (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet). Remove chicken and set aside.
In the same pan, sauté the onion and bell pepper for 2 minutes.
Add the uncooked rice and toast it in the oil for 1 minute.
Stir in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Mix well.
Return the chicken to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover tightly with the lid, and simmer for 20 minutes. Do not peek!
Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in the corn (the residual heat will warm it).
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
The “resting period” after cooking is crucial. It allows the rice to absorb any remaining steam and become fluffy rather than sticky-wet. Also, rinsing the rice removes excess surface starch, ensuring the grains separate nicely instead of clumping into a block. Using a skillet with a tight-fitting lid is essential to trap the steam needed to cook the rice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Peeking under the lid! Rice cooks by steam. Every time you lift the lid, you lose heat and moisture, which can lead to crunchy, undercooked rice. Trust the timer. Also, make sure your heat is low enough during the simmer so the bottom doesn’t burn.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Fat | 8g |
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a polished look.
Pairing Suggestions
This is a standalone meal, but a side of coleslaw or a green salad pairs perfectly with the BBQ theme. If you enjoy quick and flavorful chicken dishes, check out our Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles (20-Min!) for another easy stovetop dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1? Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use a larger pot or Dutch oven to ensure the rice cooks evenly without being too deep.
Q2? Why is my rice crunchy?
It likely ran out of liquid or steam escaped. Add 1/4 cup hot water, cover, and steam for 5 more minutes on very low heat.
Q3? Can I use instant rice?
Yes, but reduce the broth and cooking time to match the package instructions (usually 5-7 minutes).
Conclusion
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is the answer to “what’s for dinner?” when you want something flavorful, easy, and satisfying. It’s sticky, sweet, savory perfection in a single bowl.
