If you’re craving something that brings together sweet, smoky, and savory flavors in one comforting bite, this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner. It combines tender grilled chicken drenched in a luscious honey BBQ sauce paired perfectly with fluffy jasmine rice, making each mouthful a delightfully satisfying experience. Whether you want a quick weeknight meal or a dish that impresses family and friends without fuss, this recipe checks all the boxes with warmth and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe truly lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in layering flavor, texture, and aroma, turning an ordinary dinner into a memorable meal that feels lovingly homemade.
- Jasmine rice: This fragrant rice cooks up fluffy and light, providing the perfect base for the saucy chicken.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean and easy to grill, these absorb the marinade beautifully without drying out.
- Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the tangy BBQ sauce effortlessly.
- BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand for that smoky, tangy punch that makes the dish sing.
- Soy sauce: Brings a subtle depth and umami boost to the marinade.
- Olive oil: Helps keep the chicken juicy and adds a hint of fruitiness.
- Garlic powder: A punch of savory warmth that enhances every bite.
- Onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and layers of flavor.
- Smoked paprika: Offers smoky undertones that tie the whole dish together.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to perfect the taste.
- Chicken broth: Used to cook the rice, it infuses it with savory richness.
- Chopped fresh parsley: A refreshing, vibrant garnish that livens up the plate.
- Optional sliced green onions: Adds a bit of crunch and a fresh, mild bite for garnish.
How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
Start by mixing the honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl until everything is well combined. This marinade is the heart of your dish, marrying sweet and smoky flavors that soak right into the chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Place your chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is generously coated, then seal and refrigerate. The longer you let the chicken soak up these flavors, the more delicious the final dish will be—anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight works wonders.
Step 3: Rinse and cook the rice
While your chicken marinates, rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until it runs clear to remove excess starch. Combine the rice with chicken broth in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until tender. Let it rest covered, then fluff it up with a fork to keep it light and airy.
Step 4: Grill the chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high and lightly oil the grates. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting extra drip off, and discard the leftover marinade to avoid contamination. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on one side without moving it to get those lovely grill marks, then flip and cook another 6-7 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Rest the chicken for about 5 minutes before slicing it into strips or bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: Assemble the dish
Layer a generous serving of jasmine rice on your plate or serving bowl, top it with the sliced grilled chicken, and drizzle some extra BBQ sauce over everything for an extra hit of flavor. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and, if you like, sliced green onions for an added fresh crunch and color pop.
How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley and sliced green onions not only brighten up the dish visually but also add a fresh, herbal note that complements the rich honey BBQ flavors. Don’t hesitate to add a wedge of lime for a zesty twist that wakes up your palate.
Side Dishes
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables. For something heartier, grilled corn or black beans add extra texture and color while keeping the meal balanced and nutritious.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in a rustic wooden bowl or create a layered rice bowl with additional toppings like avocado slices, roasted peppers, or a dollop of sour cream. Turning the meal into a build-your-own bowl lets everyone customize it to their taste, making dinner both interactive and exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making this recipe perfect for meal prep or next-day easy dinners.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save some for later. Separate the chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge to maintain that juicy chicken texture.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, gently reheat in a pan or microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth to the rice before warming to keep it moist and fluffy. Avoid overheating the chicken to prevent drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use different types of rice instead of jasmine?
Absolutely! While jasmine rice adds a wonderful aroma and softness, basmati or long-grain rice can be great substitutes. Just adjust cooking time and water ratio accordingly.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
Overnight marination is ideal for maximum flavor, but even 30 minutes significantly enhances the taste. Just try not to skip this step entirely.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes, baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes works well. Just make sure to baste occasionally with the sauce to keep it juicy.
What if I don’t have BBQ sauce on hand?
You can mix ketchup with a splash of vinegar, a little brown sugar, and some smoked paprika to make a homemade substitute that’s close in flavor.
How spicy is this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe?
It’s generally mild but packed with flavor. If you like heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the marinade.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to enjoy a dish that feels lovingly home-cooked yet effortlessly delicious, this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe is a fantastic choice. It’s packed with flavors that comfort and satisfy, perfect for sharing around the table or meal prepping for busy days. Grab your ingredients, fire up the grill, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a dinner you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner recipe combining tender grilled chicken breasts marinated in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, served over fluffy jasmine rice. This comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors.
Ingredients
Rice
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably several hours or overnight to enhance flavor.
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold running water using a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy rice.
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Let the Rice Rest: Turn off the heat and keep the saucepan covered. Let the rice sit for another 10 minutes to finish steaming. Fluff with a fork before serving to separate grains.
- Preheat the Grill or Grill Pan: Heat the grill or grill pan to medium-high. If using a grill, oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken for Grilling: Remove chicken breasts from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Discard any leftover marinade to ensure safety.
- Grill the Chicken: Place chicken on the heated grill or grill pan. Cook without moving for 6-7 minutes on the first side to develop grill marks.
- Flip and Continue Grilling: Turn the chicken over and grill for another 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure doneness.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and keep the meat moist.
- Slice the Chicken: Cut the grilled chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces for easy serving.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread a generous layer of fluffy jasmine rice on a large serving bowl or platter as the base.
- Add the Chicken: Arrange the sliced grilled chicken on top of the rice evenly.
- Drizzle with Extra BBQ Sauce: For added flavor and moisture, drizzle additional BBQ sauce over the chicken pieces.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and optional sliced green onions over the dish for a fresh, colorful finish.
- Serve: Serve warm alongside your favorite sides such as a green salad or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
- Store Leftovers: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth to keep rice moist.
- Optional Variations: For extra flair, consider adding grilled corn or black beans as toppings or side dishes to enhance the meal.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavor; overnight is best if time allows.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F to avoid undercooking.
- Rinsing the rice is essential for fluffy, non-sticky grains.
- Oil the grill grates well to prevent sticking and tearing of chicken breasts.
- Leftover rice can be refreshed with a splash of chicken broth when reheating for moisture retention.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or stovetop skillet can be used with similar cooking times.
