Easy Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Easy Honey BBQ Chicken is a meal I make at least twice a week. The trick I discovered is using a hot pan for crispy skin. Juicy chicken, golden rice, and a deep sweet glaze. Try this with my Refreshing Watermelon Berry Beet Juice Recipe for a balanced dinner. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Refresh your meal with a juice and Try a sweet and savory side.
Why This Easy Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy skin
- Sweet and smoky sauce
- One-pan cooking
- Perfect for leftovers
What You'll Need for Easy Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Optional: Fresh cilantro
- Optional: Lime wedges
- Optional: Chopped green onions
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Chicken thighs: Use bone-in for more flavor and moisture.
- Rice: Rinsing rice before cooking helps prevent it from becoming sticky.
- Honey: Use a high-quality honey for the best flavor.
- BBQ sauce: Choose a sweet and tangy style for balance.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Non-stick skillet — Prevents chicken from sticking and helps get a crispy crust. → See on Amazon
- Measuring cups — Ensures accurate measurements for consistent results. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
- Prepare the pan: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the chicken: Add chicken thighs and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same pan, add onion and garlic. Cook until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Add rice and liquids: Stir in rice, broth, honey, and BBQ sauce. Bring to a simmer.
- Add chicken and bake: Return chicken to the pan. Cover and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes.
- Baste and finish: Baste chicken with sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking for a glossy finish.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
- Cooking technique: Use a hot pan to get a crispy crust on the chicken.
- Common mistake and fix: If the rice is too wet, cover and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Flavor boost: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to balance the sweetness.
- Storage: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Storing & Reheating Easy Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. 3–4 days Make-ahead tip: Cook and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance
Freezing Easy Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
2–3 months
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes Microwave: 1–2 minutes on high
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use a hot pan to get a crispy crust on the chicken.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken breast for thighs if preferred.
- Make-ahead: Prepare and refrigerate up to 24 hours, then reheat.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for 8 servings.
- Troubleshooting: If the rice is too dry, add 1/4 cup water and continue cooking.
Want to level up this recipe?
Oven thermometer — Ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even cooking. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
Optional Toppings
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the chicken: Add chicken thighs and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same pan, add onion and garlic. Cook until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Add rice and liquids: Stir in rice, broth, honey, and BBQ sauce. Bring to a simmer.
- Add chicken and bake: Return chicken to the pan. Cover and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes.
- Baste and finish: Baste chicken with sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking for a glossy finish.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use a hot pan to get a crispy crust on the chicken.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken breast for thighs if preferred.
- Make-ahead: Prepare and refrigerate up to 24 hours, then reheat.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for 8 servings.
- Troubleshooting: If the rice is too dry, add 1/4 cup water and continue cooking.
Storage
- Fridge: 3–4 days
- Freezer: 2–3 months
- Oven reheat: 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes
- Microwave reheat: 1–2 minutes on high
- Make ahead: Cook and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sat. Fat: 4g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice FAQs
Yes, you can make it up to 24 hours in advance. Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven.
Overcooking is the most common reason. Check the chicken at 25 minutes and adjust the time as needed.
Yes, but boneless chicken cooks faster. Reduce cooking time by 5–10 minutes.
Yes, but long-grain rice works best. Basmati or jasmine rice can also be used.
Yes, cook chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, then add rice and bake for 10–12 minutes.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
