Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Introduction

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl is a delicious and easy meal that combines tender, flavorful chicken with sweet and smoky sauce served over fluffy rice. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, it hits all the right notes with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• 500g boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt to taste
• Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, sesame seeds, fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or broth to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, butter, and a pinch of salt. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and hot sauce if using. Adjust sweetness or heat to your preference.
4. Step 4: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and pour the honey BBQ sauce over the chicken. Stir well to coat and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce is sticky and glossy.
5. Step 5: Serve the chicken over the cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh parsley as desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
• Try brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a different texture and added nutrients.
• Add steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots for more color and nutrition.
• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. The sauce may thicken when chilled; add a splash of water or broth when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be, if you use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and soy sauce. Check labels carefully to ensure all ingredients fit your dietary needs.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 121 reviews

A delicious and comforting Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl featuring tender chicken pieces seared and coated in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, served over fluffy basmati or jasmine rice. This easy-to-make bowl combines smoky spices, sticky glaze, and aromatic garnishes for a satisfying weeknight meal.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 500g boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Honey BBQ Sauce:

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for heat lovers)

For the Rice:

• 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice First: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Add rinsed rice, butter, and a pinch of salt. Cover, lower the heat, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
2. Season and Sear the Chicken: Toss chicken pieces in a bowl with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes depending on size.
3. Mix Up the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and optional hot sauce in a small bowl. Adjust sweetness or heat to taste by adding more honey or hot sauce.
4. Coat the Chicken: Once the chicken is browned, reduce heat to medium and pour the honey BBQ sauce over it. Stir to coat evenly and let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to become sticky and glossy.
5. Serve It Up: Spoon rice into bowls or plates and top with the honey BBQ chicken. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh parsley as desired. Enjoy your comforting Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for more tender, juicy results; chicken breasts work well too.
• For extra flavor, substitute water with chicken broth when cooking rice.
• If you prefer less heat, omit the hot sauce from the BBQ sauce mix.
• Honey BBQ sauce can be adjusted with more honey or BBQ sauce to suit your taste.
• Letting the rice rest covered after cooking helps it become fluffy.
• Garnishes like green onions, sesame seeds, and parsley add texture and freshness but are optional.

Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, Rice Bowl, Chicken Dinner, Easy Weeknight Meal, Sweet and Smoky Chicken