Quick & Healthy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Name: Quick & Healthy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup BBQ sauce; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cups cooked rice; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 carrot, sliced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this Quick & Healthy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe. Juicy, tender chicken thighs are coated in a sweet and savory honey BBQ glaze, served atop a fluffy bed of rice, and paired with vibrant vegetables for a nutritious and delicious meal. Perfect for busy families, this dish combines flavor and convenience, making it a go-to for satisfying cravings without compromising on health.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-11-14T04:36:54.211Z

This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something delicious yet healthy. The combination of honey and BBQ sauce adds a delightful sweetness to the chicken, while the rice and vegetables make it a well-rounded meal.

A Delicious Way to Add Flavor

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor that everyone in the family will love. The combination of honey and BBQ sauce creates a rich glaze that enhances the natural taste of the chicken. This recipe allows you to enjoy the sweetness of honey balanced with the smoky flavors of BBQ sauce, making each bite a delightful experience. It's a fantastic way to introduce your kids to new flavors while ensuring dinner is both tasty and satisfying.

Moreover, this dish is versatile enough to adapt to your family's preferences. Feel free to switch up the vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand. This adaptability contributes to a healthier lifestyle, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal without sticking to the same boring ingredients. With Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, dinner doesn't just fill your stomach; it excites your palate.

A Nutritional Powerhouse

Combining protein-rich chicken thighs with colorful vegetables, this recipe serves as a nutritional powerhouse. Chicken thighs provide ample protein and essential nutrients, making it a great choice for muscle repair and overall health. Meanwhile, the addition of broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper brings a wealth of vitamins and minerals. Broccoli is known for its high vitamin C content, while carrots provide beta-carotene – both are fantastic allies for your immune system.

Moreover, the use of brown rice or any whole grain rice can add even more fiber to the dish. Fiber is crucial for digestive health and helps keep you feeling full for longer periods. By choosing whole grains over refined options, you’re making a conscious choice toward a healthier diet without sacrificing taste.

Quick Meal Preparation

Life can get busy, especially during the week. That's why this Quick & Healthy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe is designed for efficiency without compromising on flavor or health. With only a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delightful dinner in no time. The preparation and cooking steps are streamlined, so you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal with family.

This dish is perfect for meal prepping as well. You can make a larger batch of the chicken and rice, then store leftovers for lunch or dinner later in the week. Not only does this save time, but it also ensures you have a nutritious option ready to go. Whether you're feeding a busy family or just want delicious leftovers, this recipe has got you covered.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Rice and Vegetables

2 cups cooked rice
1 cup broccoli florets
1 carrot, sliced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon soy sauce

Combine the ingredients as directed in the steps below.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, mix the honey, BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them well with the mixture.

Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.

Prepare the Rice and Vegetables

In a separate pot, steam the broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper until tender. Stir in the cooked rice and soy sauce.

Serve

Serve the chicken on top of the rice and vegetables. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the dish.

Enjoy your quick and healthy meal!

Additional Tips for Best Results

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey BBQ mixture for at least 30 minutes or even overnight. This additional time allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful dish. If you're short on time, however, coating the chicken just before cooking will still yield fantastic results.

Consider garnishing your plate with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions. This simple touch adds a burst of freshness and elevates the presentation of your meal. Not only does it enhance the appearance, but it also provides an additional layer of flavor that complements the honey BBQ sauce.

Suggested Side Dishes

While Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a complete meal on its own, you might want to add a few side dishes for variety and to cater to everyone’s taste buds. A simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the chicken and sauce.

Another great option is to serve it with a fruit medley. Slices of fresh pineapple, strawberries, or kiwi can brighten your meal and add a deliciously sweet contrast to the savory chicken. Plus, these fruits boast a variety of vitamins and minerals, making your meal even healthier.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breast instead?

Yes, chicken breast can be used but may require less cooking time.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.