This Easy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl is a tasty and quick meal. Juicy chicken is coated in sweet honey BBQ sauce and served on a bed of fluffy rice. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts are preferred for their ease and quick cooking. You could swap them for thighs for more flavor or even go plant-based with firm tofu or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian option.
Rice: I used jasmine rice for fragrance and texture, but any long grain rice will work. You could also try brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist, just remember these will change cooking times.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce. Want a kick? Look for spicy options! If you’re short on BBQ sauce, a mix of ketchup and soy sauce can work in a pinch.
Honey: It adds a lovely sweetness. If you’re looking for a substitute, agave syrup or maple syrup can work, though you’ll get a slightly different flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Juicy and Tender?
To keep your chicken juicy, don’t overcook it! Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it should reach 165°F (75°C). A handy tip is to let it rest after cooking. This helps retain its juices!
- Preheat your skillet before adding chicken to get a good sear.
- Cook over medium-high heat, flipping only once for even cooking.
- Brush the honey BBQ sauce during the last few minutes for a sticky glaze.
Following these steps will give you tender, flavorful chicken every time!
Easy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup white rice (jasmine or long grain)
- 2 cups water or chicken broth (for cooking rice)
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, sesame seeds, lime wedges, steamed or roasted vegetables (like broccoli or corn)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing and cooking the chicken while the rice takes about 15 minutes to cook. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water (or chicken broth for more flavor). Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has absorbed. Once done, remove from heat and let it sit, still covered, for 5 minutes to finish cooking through.
2. Prepare the Honey BBQ Sauce:
While the rice is cooking, grab a small bowl and mix the BBQ sauce and honey together until they’re well blended. Set this mixture aside to use later on the chicken.
3. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and season them with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure both sides are well coated. This seasoning will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add your seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until it’s fully cooked and has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). For the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the honey BBQ sauce mixture all over the chicken, flipping it to get both sides nicely coated.
5. Slice and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice the chicken into strips. To serve, divide the cooked rice into bowls and top with your sliced honey BBQ chicken. Feel free to garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, a squeeze of lime, or even some steamed veggies on the side!
6. Enjoy!
Your delicious Easy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl is ready to savor! It’s quick, tasty, and sure to please everyone at the table.
FAQ for Easy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure it’s completely thawed before cooking. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or defrost it in the microwave using the defrost setting. This ensures even cooking and helps avoid any food safety issues.
What Can I Substitute for Rice?
If you’re looking for a substitute, quinoa or cauliflower rice are great alternatives. Quinoa adds a nutty flavor and is high in protein, while cauliflower rice is a low-carb option. Just adjust the cooking times as quinoa takes about 15 minutes, and cauliflower rice cooks very quickly in about 5-7 minutes in a skillet!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to bring back some moisture.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! If you like a bit of heat, you can add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for the chicken. You could also use a spicy BBQ sauce to kick up the flavor. Just make sure to start with a small amount—you can always add more to taste!
