Looking for a quick and tasty dinner? Youβre in the right place! Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful meal thatβs easy to make. With simple ingredients like chicken, honey, and barbecue sauce, youβll have dinner on the table in no time. Iβm excited to share my tips and steps to help you whip up this delightful dish. Letβs get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken, creating a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, this recipe can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights.
- Customizable Ingredients: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding your favorite veggies or swapping the chicken for another protein, ensuring it suits your taste.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with protein and served over fluffy jasmine rice, this dish is both nutritious and filling, perfect for a family meal.
Ingredients
Lists of main ingredients
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Additional ingredients needed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishing options
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Gather these ingredients before you start. Jasmine rice gives a lovely aroma. The chicken adds protein and texture. Honey and barbecue sauce bring sweetness and tang. Olive oil helps in cooking. Garlic and onion powder add flavor. Donβt forget salt and pepper to make everything pop!
For garnishing, green onions and cilantro give a fresh look. They also add a nice flavor. You can adjust the amount of the sauces to suit your taste. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to mix it up!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the rice
Rinsing jasmine rice
Start by rinsing 2 cups of jasmine rice under cold water. This removes extra starch. Rinse until the water runs clear. This step helps the rice stay fluffy and not sticky.
Boiling and simmering instructions
In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 4 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring this mix to a boil over high heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The rice is done when itβs fluffy and all the water has absorbed.
Preparing the chicken
Searing the chicken in a skillet
While the rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Stir it often until it turns golden brown and is cooked through.
Seasoning tips for optimal flavor
To add flavor, season the chicken with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. Donβt forget to add salt and pepper to taste. These spices enhance the chickenβs taste and make it pop.
Combining chicken and sauce
Mixing honey and barbecue sauce
In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of honey with 1/2 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce. Stir until they blend well. This mix adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the chicken.
Simmering for sauce thickening
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the honey BBQ mix over it in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Let it simmer for an extra 3-4 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and cling to the chicken.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the rice texture
- Use a 2:1 ratio of water to jasmine rice. For 2 cups of rice, use 4 cups of water.
- After cooking, fluff the rice with a fork. This keeps each grain separate.
Chicken cooking tips
- Cook chicken until it is no longer pink. This usually takes 5-7 minutes.
- Season chicken with garlic and onion powder. This adds great flavor.
Sauce application techniques
- Add the sauce after the chicken is browned. This allows the flavors to meld.
- Stir the sauce with the chicken until all pieces are coated. This makes each bite tasty.
Pro Tips
- Rinse the Rice: Rinsing jasmine rice removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming gummy and ensuring a fluffy texture.
- Choose Quality BBQ Sauce: Your choice of barbecue sauce can significantly impact the flavor. Opt for a brand that you love for the best results.
- Thicken the Sauce: Let the honey BBQ sauce simmer a little longer to achieve a richer and thicker consistency that clings better to the chicken.
- Garnish for Freshness: Add fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions right before serving to enhance the dishβs flavor and presentation.

Variations
Alternative proteins
You can switch the chicken for other proteins. Ground beef or diced beef works well. You can also use tofu for a plant-based option. Simply season it the same way as chicken. Cook it until it is golden and firm. This adds variety to the dish and keeps it exciting.
Homemade honey BBQ sauce
Making your own honey BBQ sauce is easy. Hereβs a quick recipe you can try:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all these ingredients in a bowl. Stir until combined. This sauce is sweet and tangy. You can adjust the flavors to fit your taste.
Rice alternatives
If you want a healthier option, try brown rice or quinoa. Brown rice has more fiber and a nutty flavor. Quinoa is protein-rich and cooks quickly. You can use the same cooking method as jasmine rice. Just check cooking times for each. Both options make the dish more nutritious and hearty.
Storage Info
Storing leftovers
To keep your honey BBQ chicken rice fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to let the dish cool before sealing. This helps prevent moisture build-up, which can make the rice soggy.
Reheating suggestions
For the best taste, reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop. If you choose the microwave, put a damp paper towel over the rice. This keeps it moist while heating. On the stovetop, add a splash of water and stir gently until warm. This method helps maintain the riceβs texture.
Freezing options
To freeze honey BBQ chicken rice, first, let it cool completely. Then, place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Label the bags with the date. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice gluten-free, you can swap the barbecue sauce. Look for brands that offer gluten-free options. Many offer tasty flavors without gluten. You should also check the jasmine rice. Most brands are gluten-free, but it is always good to read the label.
What can I serve with Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?
You can pair Honey BBQ Chicken Rice with fresh veggies. Steamed broccoli or green beans work well. A simple salad with mixed greens is also a great choice. For a crunchy touch, serve with coleslaw. You can add fruit like sliced mango or pineapple for a sweet twist.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the rice and chicken separately to keep them fresh. Store them in airtight containers. You can assemble the dish a few hours before serving. Just reheat the chicken and rice when you are ready to eat.
We covered how to make a tasty Honey BBQ Chicken Rice meal. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and storage tips. Remember to try different proteins or sauces to fit your taste. Keep these tips handy for meal prep or quick dinners. Enjoy your cooking and share your creations with friend

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
IngredientsΒ Β
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 2 honey
- 1 2 barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 4 cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
InstructionsΒ
- Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine the rice with 4 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes or until the rice is fluffy and cooked through.
- While the rice is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- In a small bowl, mix together the honey and barbecue sauce until well combined. Pour this mixture over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly, and let it simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and place it on a large serving platter or individual bowls. Top the rice with the honey BBQ chicken.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.


