If you’re looking for an irresistibly easy and utterly scrumptious weeknight meal, Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is about to become your new favorite crave-worthy dinner. With juicy bites of chicken, sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, a drizzle of golden honey, and perfectly tender rice, every single bite packs comfort and excitement. Bursting with color from corn, black beans, melty cheddar, and a final flourish of green onions, this dish is as gorgeous in the pan as it is delicious on the plate. Get ready for a one-pan wonder that brings everyone running to the table!

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Honey BBQ Chicken Rice lies in its perfectly balanced, fuss-free ingredient list. Every simple item adds something special, whether it’s flavor, color, or that irresistible texture you’ll keep coming back for.

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender chicken pieces soak up the sticky, sweet BBQ glaze and stay juicy when cut into bites.
2 tbsp olive oil: Ensures the chicken gets a beautiful golden sear (and keeps everything from sticking!).
1 cup barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite style; this is the heart of the sweet-smoky base.
1/4 cup honey: Adds luscious sweetness that plays perfectly with the tangy BBQ flavors.
3 cups cooked white or brown rice: The blank canvas that soaks up every bit of that delicious sauce—plus, it’s a great way to use up leftovers!
1 cup frozen corn (thawed): Sweet pops of yellow bring color and a gentle crunch to each bite.
1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained): Adds heartiness and fiber, plus it looks beautiful in the mix.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy bliss over the top for the final comforting touch.
2 green onions (sliced): A fresh garnish that brings gentle zing and color to the finished dish.
Salt and pepper to taste: The simplest seasonings, but absolutely essential for perfect flavor.

How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Step 1: Season and Sauté the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken some love: sprinkle salt and pepper generously all over the bite-sized pieces. Heat up olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then toss in the chicken. Let it cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are lightly browned and cooked through. This simple sear locks in all the juiciness!

Step 2: Make the Honey BBQ Sauce

While the chicken is still sizzling, whisk the barbecue sauce and honey together in a small bowl. Pour this glorious mixture over the cooked chicken in the pan, turning the heat down to low. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes, so the sauce thickens up and the chicken gets beautifully glazed and sticky.

Step 3: Add Rice, Corn, and Black Beans

Now, stir in your cooked rice, thawed corn, and the rinsed black beans. Gently fold everything together until the rice is fully coated in the shiny sauce and all ingredients are evenly distributed. Let it cook just long enough for everything to be piping hot and perfectly combined.

Step 4: Cheesy Finish

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously across the surface. Cover the skillet with a lid and give it 2–3 minutes—just enough for the cheese to melt into a gooey, golden blanket over the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. Uncover to find absolute dinner bliss!

Step 5: Top and Serve

Scatter the sliced green onions right over the melty cheese for a pop of freshness, then serve the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice (preferably straight from the skillet for maximum coziness). Every spoonful promises bold flavors and satisfying textures.

How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Garnishes

Garnish makes everything special! A handful of sliced green onions brings a burst of color and a fresh, subtle crunch on top of your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. For extra flavor, try a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or even a light dusting of smoked paprika. And if you like a little heat, thinly sliced jalapeños turn this into a spicy-sweet sensation.

Side Dishes

This hearty skillet is practically a meal in itself, but there’s room for a light, zesty side. A crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly, balancing the richness of the dish. Or, keep things fun with crunchy tortilla chips and a scoop of guacamole or salsa on the side!

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice beyond the skillet! Scoop bowls for family-style comfort, or try serving it in large lettuce leaves for barbecue-inspired wraps. In a hurry? Pile it high in tortillas and roll up vibrant burritos—cheesy, saucy, and totally irresistible. This dish is picnic-ready too—just pack it up warm in a thermos for an outdoor treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey BBQ Chicken Rice holds up wonderfully in the fridge. Simply transfer any cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. The rice and chicken soak up even more flavor overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch an absolute treat.

Freezing

If you want to stash away extra portions, Honey BBQ Chicken Rice freezes like a dream. Spoon cooled servings into individual freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. It keeps well for up to 2–3 months—just be sure to thaw fully before reheating.

Reheating

To revive leftovers, just pop a portion in the microwave (loosely covered) for a couple of minutes, stirring halfway. If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce to keep things moist, and warm gently over low heat until piping hot and cheesy again.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chicken?

Absolutely! You can swap in boneless, skinless chicken thighs for even more juiciness, or use rotisserie chicken for an ultra-speedy version. Just adjust cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is cooked through before you add the sauce.

Is Honey BBQ Chicken Rice gluten-free?

Yes, it can be! Just double-check that your barbecue sauce is gluten-free—all the remaining ingredients are typically safe. Many popular brands offer gluten-free barbecue sauces these days, so you won’t miss any flavor.

What if I don’t have black beans?

No worries! You can switch out black beans for pinto beans, kidney beans, or even leave them out completely. This recipe is super flexible, and the main focus is all that sweet, smoky honey BBQ chicken flavor.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Definitely! Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a fantastic candidate for meal prep. Portion it into airtight containers after cooking and keep in the fridge—reheats beautifully in the microwave or stovetop for several days of delicious, ready-to-go lunches.

Can I make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make a veggie version! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken pieces. The honey BBQ glaze works just as well, and you’ll still get all those wonderful sweet, smoky flavors.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that brings pure happiness to the table, you need to give Honey BBQ Chicken Rice a try. With its crowd-pleasing sweet, saucy goodness and colorful, cheesy flair, this skillet meal truly checks all the boxes. Your family (and your taste buds) will thank you—so go ahead, whip up a batch, and savor every bite!

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe is a delicious and easy one-skillet meal that combines tender chicken pieces in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce with fluffy rice, corn, black beans, and melted cheddar cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

1 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup honey

For the Rice Mixture:

3 cups cooked white or brown rice
1 cup frozen corn (thawed)
1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 green onions (sliced)

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Instructions

Season and Cook Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Cook in olive oil until browned and cooked through.
Make the Sauce: Whisk together barbecue sauce and honey, then pour over the chicken. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in cooked rice, corn, and black beans. Heat through and coat in sauce.
Finish and Serve: Top with cheddar cheese, cover until melted. Garnish with green onions and serve warm.