Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes. Just cut them into small pieces so they cook evenly with the rice. A great option for healthy family dinner recipes.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. It’s an easy way to turn this into a bold twist on BBQ chicken rice skillet.

Is it possible to substitute brown rice?

You can, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by 15–20 minutes and add a bit more broth. Brown rice makes this one of my favorite high protein meal ideas.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes. Cook it fully, store in an airtight container, and reheat gently. Perfect for budget-friendly chicken dinners that save you time on busy nights.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Skillet Recipe ready in 30 minutes

Description

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Skillet Recipe that’s sweet, smoky, and ready in 30 minutes. The perfect quick skillet meal for families.

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained

2 cups chicken broth, preferably low-sodium

1/2 cup BBQ sauce (mesquite flavor recommended for extra smokiness)

1/4 cup honey

1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, bell peppers)

2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil, divided

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

2-3 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Extra drizzle of BBQ sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. If using chicken breasts, cut them into bite-sized pieces. Mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rinse rice until water runs clear and drain well.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle half the seasoning on chicken, then sear 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove to a plate.

3. Add remaining oil to the skillet. Stir in rice and the rest of the seasoning. Toast 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly translucent.

4. Pour in chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Stir to combine, scraping up browned bits from the skillet. Return chicken to the pan. Cover and simmer on low 15 minutes.

5. Quickly lift lid, add vegetables over the top, cover, and cook 5 more minutes until rice is tender and vegetables are heated through.

6. Turn off heat, keep covered 5 minutes, then fluff rice with a fork. Garnish with green onions, parsley, and extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

You can use chicken breasts or thighs thighs stay juicier.

For extra heat, add chili flakes or diced jalapeños with the vegetables.

This dish reheats well in a skillet over low heat.

Pairs perfectly with a side salad or cornbread.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: honey bbq chicken rice skillet recipe, quick skillet meals, healthy family dinner recipes, high protein dinner recipes