Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a simple and satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken coated in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, all served over fluffy, warm rice. The blend of sticky honey and smoky barbecue flavors makes every bite comforting and packed with a little bit of sweetness and a touch of zest.
I love making this dish when I want something quick but still full of flavor. The best part for me is how easy it is to adjust the sweetness or tanginess just by adding a bit more honey or BBQ sauce. It feels like a small treat every time, without needing a lot of effort in the kitchen.
Serving it up with a side of steamed veggies or a fresh salad makes it a balanced meal that everyone at the table enjoys. Whenever I bring this dish out, it’s usually gone in no time because the mix of flavors is so good. It’s one of those comfort foods that just hits the spot on any day of the week.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts helps the chicken cook evenly and stay tender. You can swap these for chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
Panko Breadcrumbs: They give a nice crispy crust. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work fine, but expect a slightly different texture.
Honey & BBQ Sauce: These create the sweet and tangy glaze. For a healthier option, use low-sugar BBQ sauce or maple syrup instead of honey.
Rice: White rice is classic here, but brown rice or cauliflower rice work well too if you want a different flavor or lower carbs.
How Do You Get the Chicken Super Crispy and Sticky with Sauce?
Getting a crispy crust and sticky glaze takes a few careful steps:
- Pat chicken dry and coat it well with flour, egg, then panko for that crisp finish.
- Fry on medium heat so the crust browns without burning, about 5-6 minutes per side.
- Brush the honey BBQ sauce on after frying to keep the crust crisp but add sticky sweetness.
- For extra shine and stickiness, briefly broil the sauced chicken, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
With these tips, you’ll get tender chicken with a crunchy, flavorful coating and that perfect sticky BBQ finish!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – I like it because it evenly cooks the chicken and makes frying easy.
- Three shallow dishes – perfect for setting up a breading station with flour, eggs, and panko.
- Cooking tongs or a fork – helps handle the chicken and turn it without mess.
- Measuring cups and spoons – makes mixing your sauce and rice seasonings simple.
- Baking sheet or broiler pan (optional) – for broiling the glazed chicken for extra shine and stickiness.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Add a splash of sriracha or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for spicy heat.
- Mix in some sautéed bell peppers or pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory twist.
- Replace rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter, different texture.
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for rice flavor)
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Steamed vegetables (e.g., broccoli and baby carrots)
Time Needed:
This meal takes about 30 minutes in total, including preparation, cooking, and assembling. The chicken takes roughly 12 minutes to fry, and prepping the sauce and rice adds a few minutes more.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Season the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Set Up Breading Station:
Place flour in the first shallow dish, beaten eggs in the second, and panko breadcrumbs in the third. This setup makes it easy to coat the chicken evenly.
3. Coat the Chicken:
First, dip each chicken breast into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Make and Apply the Honey BBQ Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the honey and barbecue sauce. Brush or spoon this sauce liberally over the cooked chicken breasts. For a stickier glaze, you can place the chicken under a broiler for 1-2 minutes—just watch carefully to prevent burning.
6. Prepare the Rice:
Optionally, stir a teaspoon of soy sauce into the cooked rice for extra flavor. Fluff and spread the rice on serving plates or bowls.
7. Slice and Serve:
Slice the glazed chicken breasts into strips and arrange them on top of the rice. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired. Serve with steamed vegetables like broccoli and baby carrots for a complete meal.
Enjoy your delicious Honey BBQ Chicken Rice!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts in the fridge overnight before cooking. Pat them dry well to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the breading texture.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days, and reheat gently before serving. Reheat the chicken in the oven or stovetop to keep the crust crispy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in the oven or a skillet to maintain crispiness, and microwave the rice until heated through.
Can I Substitute the Rice?
Sure! Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice are great alternatives if you want more fiber or lower carbs. Just cook them according to package instructions before serving.