This Easy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl is a tasty and quick meal. With sweet honey BBQ sauce and tender chicken served over fluffy rice, it’s a family favorite!
You can’t go wrong with this dish—it’s so tasty and ready in no time! I love adding some fresh veggies on top for a pop of color and flavor. Yum! 🍚🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish, but you can use thighs for more moisture. If you’re vegetarian, tofu or chickpeas are excellent substitutes.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe. You can also make your own if you prefer! Something tangy works best. For a healthier twist, look for low-sugar options.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness, but maple syrup can be a fantastic alternative for a vegan option. Agave syrup works too if you prefer that.
Rice: While white or brown rice is recommended, quinoa or cauliflower rice are good gluten-free substitutions. They’ll change the texture a bit, but still taste great!
Beans: Black beans are optional, but they add protein and richness. You can swap them for kidney beans or omit them altogether for a lighter dish.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken to the right temperature is key for a juicy meal. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) internally.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking—this keeps it juicy.
- Slice against the grain for tender bites.
- Brush with BBQ sauce when it’s nearly done to avoid burning the sugars.
By following these tips, your chicken will turn out perfectly every time! Enjoy your Easy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl with confidence.
Easy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Honey BBQ Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce and honey together until well combined. This will be your sweet and tangy sauce for the chicken. Set it aside for later use.
2. Season the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps it brown nicely. Season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure it’s well coated so you get great flavor in every bite!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is no longer pink inside. This will ensure your chicken is juicy and safe to eat!
4. Glaze with Honey BBQ Sauce:
After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and brush both sides generously with the honey BBQ sauce mixture. This adds a delicious glaze to your chicken!
5. Caramelize the Sauce:
Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes on each side. This will help the BBQ sauce caramelize slightly, adding even more flavor.
6. Warm Other Ingredients:
While the chicken is finishing up, warm the cooked rice, corn, and black beans (if you are using them). You can do this in the microwave or on the stovetop in a separate pan.
7. Slice the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done, allow it to rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips. This makes it easier to serve in the bowls.
8. Assemble the Bowls:
To put it all together, divide the warm rice between bowls. Top with corn, black beans, and slices of BBQ chicken.
9. Add Cheese and Garnishes:
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top while the chicken is still hot so it melts. For a pop of flavor and freshness, garnish with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro if you like.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Don’t forget to serve lime wedges on the side for that extra zing! Enjoy your flavorful Easy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl!
Your family will love this quick and delicious meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor!
FAQ for Easy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way is to leave it in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed.
What Can I Substitute for Honey in This Recipe?
If you don’t have honey, maple syrup is a great substitute for a similar sweetness. Agave syrup works well for a vegan option too! Both will still give you that sticky-sweet glaze you’re after.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep the rice from drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
Absolutely! You can add a dash of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture for some heat. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving for an extra kick!
