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Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a sweet, smoky, and comforting meal made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a sticky honey barbecue sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or serving as a BBQ chicken rice bowl for the whole family. If you enjoy honey barbecue chicken and rice, honey garlic chicken and rice, or grilled chicken and rice recipes, this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. The balance of honey sweetness and BBQ smokiness makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs cut into cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes optional
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions optional garnish

Method
 

  1. Cook the rice according to package instructions until fluffy. Set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add chicken pieces and season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
  4. Cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and lightly browned.
  5. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. In a small bowl, mix the honey and barbecue sauce until smooth.
  7. Pour the honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and reduce heat to low.
  8. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
  9. Add cooked rice to the skillet and gently stir to combine.
  10. Cook for an additional 3–5 minutes so the rice absorbs the sauce.
  11. Remove from heat and garnish with green onions if desired.

Notes

Chicken thighs provide extra juiciness, while chicken breast keeps the dish leaner.
Adjust honey and BBQ sauce ratios to control sweetness.
For a spicy version, add hot honey or extra chili flakes.
Leftover rice works perfectly for faster preparation.
This recipe can easily be doubled for meal prep or family gatherings.