What the heck is this?
Think of this dish as your favorite BBQ chicken and your go-to rice bowl falling madly in love. It’s a saucy, sticky, sweet-and-smoky situation with tender chicken bites glazed in honey BBQ sauce, all piled on top of fluffy rice and topped with crunchy green onions. It’s fast, filling, and dangerously delicious — perfect for a weeknight dinner that hits all the right notes without needing a grill or a million dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and easy — ready in about 30 minutes
- That honey BBQ glaze? Totally addictive
- Kid-approved and picky-eater friendly
- Great for meal prep — leftovers reheat like a dream
- Sweet, smoky, savory, and satisfying in every bite
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt + pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
For the Honey BBQ Sauce:
- ½ cup your favorite BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (for balance)
- 1 tsp sriracha (optional, for a kick)
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Steamed broccoli or corn on the side (optional but delish)
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Sauté the chicken for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small saucepan or the same skillet, mix BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and sriracha.
Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the cooked chicken back in and stir to coat in that glorious sauce.
Step 3: Build Your Bowl
Scoop warm rice into bowls.
Top with that honey BBQ chicken.
Sprinkle on green onions, sesame seeds, and add a side of veggies if you’re feeling extra.
Serve hot and dig in!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a cucumber salad or coleslaw for a crisp, refreshing contrast
- Want more protein? Add a fried egg on top
- Serve it in a wrap or stuff it in a pita for an on-the-go option
Switch It Up
- Use cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lower-carb option
- Sub in tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version
- Add pineapple chunks for a tropical twist
Make-Ahead Tips
- Sauce and chicken can be prepped ahead and stored separately
- Cooked rice lasts up to 4 days in the fridge
- Reheat everything together in a skillet with a splash of water to keep it saucy
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
A: Absolutely — use your favorite brand and doctor it up with honey and spices.
Q: Is this freezer-friendly?
A: Yes! Freeze the chicken and rice separately, then reheat and assemble when ready.
Q: What kind of rice works best?
A: Jasmine, basmati, brown rice — whatever you’ve got works!
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice: Sweet, Sticky, and Totally Satisfying
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Think of this dish as your favorite BBQ chicken and your go-to rice bowl falling madly in love. It’s a saucy, sticky, sweet-and-smoky situation with tender chicken bites glazed in honey BBQ sauce, all piled on top of fluffy rice and topped with crunchy green onions. It’s fast, filling, and dangerously delicious — perfect for a weeknight dinner that hits all the right notes without needing a grill or a million dishes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt + pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
For the Honey BBQ Sauce:
½ cup your favorite BBQ sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp apple cider vinegar (for balance)
1 tsp sriracha (optional, for a kick)
For the Bowl:
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
2 green onions, thinly sliced
Sesame seeds (optional)
Steamed broccoli or corn on the side (optional but delish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Sauté the chicken for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small saucepan or the same skillet, mix BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and sriracha.
Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the cooked chicken back in and stir to coat in that glorious sauce.
Step 3: Build Your Bowl
Scoop warm rice into bowls.
Top with that honey BBQ chicken.
Sprinkle on green onions, sesame seeds, and add a side of veggies if you’re feeling extra.
Serve hot and dig in!
Notes
Sauce and chicken can be prepped ahead and stored separately
Cooked rice lasts up to 4 days in the fridge
Reheat everything together in a skillet with a splash of water to keep it saucy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~460 calories
- Carbohydrates: ~52g
- Protein: ~36g