If you are craving a meal that perfectly balances sweet, smoky, and savory flavors, then this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. Imagine tender, juicy grilled chicken breasts drenched in a luscious honey BBQ sauce, served atop fluffy jasmine rice that soaks up every bit of that flavor-packed goodness. This dish is not only a feast for your taste buds but also incredibly simple to prepare, making it ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends. With each bite, you’ll experience the comforting warmth and vibrant flavors that make this recipe truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe plays a key role in creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. From the fragrant jasmine rice that forms the perfect base to the bright, tangy marinade that infuses the chicken with irresistible flavor, these essentials come together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and colorful.
- 2 cups of jasmine rice: This aromatic rice cooks up fluffy and light, making a wonderful contrast to the rich BBQ chicken.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean meat absorbs marinade superbly and grills to juicy perfection.
- 1 cup of honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps balance the smoky BBQ sauce.
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce (your favorite brand): The star flavor component, bringing smoky, tangy, and savory notes.
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce: Contributes umami depth and a touch of saltiness to the marinade.
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and enhances the grill’s searing effect.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic punch without overpowering the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder: Enhances the savory backbone of the dish with subtle sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika: This smoke-infused spice deepens the BBQ flavor and adds beautiful color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings for bringing out all the flavors.
- 1 cup of chicken broth: Used to cook the jasmine rice perfectly, infusing it with extra flavor.
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Provides a fresh, vibrant touch that brightens the dish.
- Optional: sliced green onions for garnish: Adds a gentle crunch and mild onion flavor to finish.
How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
Begin by whisking together honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. This blend combines sweet, smoky, and savory elements, creating the magic behind the chicken’s irresistible flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Place the chicken breasts into a large resealable bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the top, making sure every piece is completely coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, although leaving it for a few hours or overnight really lets those flavors soak in deeply.
Step 3: Rinse and cook the jasmine rice
While the chicken marinates, give the jasmine rice a quick rinse under cold water to remove excess starch. Then combine the rinsed rice with 4 cups of chicken broth in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes. Once done, turn off the heat and let it steam for an additional 10 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.
Step 4: Grill the chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, resisting the urge to move it too soon so those beautiful grill marks develop and the chicken cooks evenly. Verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Step 5: Rest and slice the chicken
Once grilled, allow the chicken to rest for around 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute so every bite stays moist and flavorful. Then slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, ready to be served over the jasmine rice.
Step 6: Assemble and garnish
In a large serving bowl or platter, spread a generous layer of fluffy jasmine rice. Arrange the grilled chicken slices atop the rice and drizzle on an extra helping of BBQ sauce for a pop of bold, tangy flavor. Sprinkle chopped parsley and optional sliced green onions over everything to finish with freshness and color.
How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley and sliced green onions not only adds a burst of green color but also brings brightness and a subtle crunch that complements the tender chicken beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, a squeeze of lime juice can add an exciting zing.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crisp garden salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted veggies. For a heartier meal, grilled corn or black beans make excellent companions, amplifying the smoky and sweet theme of the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
To elevate your presentation, try layering the components in a clear glass bowl for an inviting layered look or serve the dish in individual bowls with a small side of coleslaw. Garnishing the plate with edible flowers or extra sprigs of fresh herbs brings an elegant touch, perfect for sharing with guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Keeping the rice and chicken together locks in flavor and moisture, but be sure to cover it well to prevent drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and rice separately or together in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Label them clearly and make sure they’re cooled completely before freezing to maintain optimal texture and taste.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat gently in a microwave or stovetop pan. Adding a splash of chicken broth while reheating helps keep the rice moist and fluffy, preventing it from getting dry or clumpy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice for this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe?
Absolutely! While jasmine rice adds a lovely aroma and texture, you can substitute it with basmati, brown rice, or even quinoa for a different twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for several hours?
Marinating for at least 30 minutes will still give you good flavor, but longer marinating times, like several hours or overnight, allow the chicken to absorb more of that delicious honey BBQ marinade for deeper flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just be sure to select a gluten-free BBQ sauce and soy sauce. There are many options labeled gluten-free, so you can enjoy this dish worry-free if you have dietary restrictions.
Can I cook the chicken in the oven instead of grilling?
Definitely. Baking the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until cooked through is a great alternative if you don’t have access to a grill. Just make sure to baste occasionally with sauce for extra juiciness.
What can I do to make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or sprinkle on some crushed red pepper flakes after cooking. Alternatively, serve with a side of spicy pickled jalapeños to complement the sweetness of the honey BBQ sauce.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe — it’s honest, flavorful comfort food that’s easy to make and sure to please everyone around your table. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or impressing friends at a weekend cookout, this dish delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Give it a try, and you might just find it becoming a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Print
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner recipe featuring tender grilled chicken breasts marinated in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, served over fluffy jasmine rice. Perfect for a family meal, this dish combines classic BBQ flavors with fragrant rice and fresh garnishes for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Marinade and Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (to oil grill grates)
Rice
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Marinate Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken ensuring each piece is coated well. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably a few hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Rinse Rice: Rinse jasmine rice thoroughly under cold running water using a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Cook Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice and 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Rest Rice: Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for another 10 minutes to steam. Fluff rice with a fork before serving.
- Preheat Grill: Heat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off and discard the leftover marinade. Place chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes without moving to achieve good grill marks.
- Flip and Cook: Flip the chicken and cook for another 6-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest Chicken: Remove chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes to redistribute the juices and keep it tender.
- Slice Chicken: Slice the grilled chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces as preferred.
- Assemble Dish: In a large serving bowl or platter, spread a generous layer of the fluffy jasmine rice as the base.
- Add Chicken: Arrange the sliced chicken evenly on top of the rice.
- Add Extra Flavor: Drizzle extra BBQ sauce over the chicken pieces for added moisture and flavor.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and optional sliced green onions over the top for a fresh, colorful finish.
- Serve: Serve warm alongside your favorite sides such as a green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Store Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist.
- Optional Twist: For a fun variation, add grilled corn or black beans as extra toppings or side dishes to enhance the meal.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes, but longer marination (a few hours or overnight) will enhance flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or stovetop skillet can be used as an alternative.
- Rinsing jasmine rice removes excess starch and prevents clumping, resulting in fluffy rice.
- Adjust BBQ sauce and honey quantities to taste depending on desired sweetness and smokiness.
- This recipe is great for meal prep and leftovers reheat well with proper moisture retention.
- Optional garnishes like green onions add freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
