If you’re on the hunt for a satisfying, flavorful meal that’s both comforting and exciting, the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl is your new go-to. This mouthwatering dish combines tender grilled chicken, sticky-sweet honey BBQ sauce, fluffy rice, and a medley of colorful veggies—all layered in a bowl of pure joy. Whether you’re feeding the family, prepping lunches for the week, or simply indulging in a quick homemade dinner, this bowl delivers taste and convenience without compromise.
You’ll love how the honey BBQ chicken rice bowl brings together smoky, sweet, and savory flavors in perfect harmony. Let’s dive into why this bowl belongs in your weekly rotation.
Jumo to:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about meals that combine multiple textures and flavors in one dish. This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl delivers on all fronts:
- Balanced flavors: Sweet honey, tangy BBQ, and juicy chicken.
- Easy to customize: Add your favorite veggies or swap in brown rice or quinoa.
- Meal prep friendly: Stores well and reheats beautifully.
- Kid-approved: Even picky eaters love the sauce!
If you enjoy layered meals like our Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, this dish will be another staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl
To create a restaurant-quality bowl at home, here’s everything you need:
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Juicy, protein-packed, and perfect for soaking up that BBQ flavor.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.
- BBQ Sauce: Go for a smoky, bold variety to contrast the honey.
- Cooked Rice: Jasmine or basmati works well for a fluffy base.
- Bell Peppers: Bright crunch and color.
- Red Onion: Mild bite and depth.
- Corn Kernels: Sweet bursts that enhance the BBQ vibes.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing vegetables and brushing the chicken.
- Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Simple seasonings that complement the BBQ sauce.
- Fresh Cilantro or Green Onions: Garnish with freshness and color.
Love chicken rice bowls? You might also enjoy our Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl for a soy-glazed twist.
How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Marinate your chicken in a mix of BBQ sauce, honey, garlic powder, paprika, and olive oil for at least 30 minutes. This helps infuse flavor and keeps it juicy during cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
While the chicken marinates, cook your rice according to package instructions. Fluff and keep warm.
Step 3: Sear or Grill the Chicken
Grill or pan-sear the marinated chicken over medium-high heat. Cook each side for about 6–7 minutes or until the internal temp reaches 165°F. Let rest and then slice.
Step 4: Sauté the Veggies
In the same pan, toss in your bell peppers, onions, and corn. Cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly charred but still vibrant.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Start with a base of rice. Layer on the sautéed veggies, sliced chicken, and drizzle extra honey BBQ sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs.
This build-your-own-bowl concept is also a hit in our Sweet Chili Chicken Rice Bowls.
Tips for Making the Recipe
To get the most flavor from your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl, follow these pro tips:
- Use skinless chicken thighs if you want richer flavor and a more tender bite.
- Marinate longer for more robust taste—overnight is ideal.
- Char your vegetables slightly for that grilled flavor without needing a BBQ.
- Make it spicy by adding a dash of cayenne or sliced jalapeños.
- Double the batch of chicken to use in wraps or salads the next day.
You could also use leftover Hot Honey Chicken for a different kind of sweet-and-spicy twist.
How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl
Presentation matters, and this dish looks as good as it tastes. Serve the bowl:
- With an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce for added flavor and moisture.
- Alongside a wedge of lime for a citrusy balance.
- Topped with crunchy slaw for added texture.
- With a soft-boiled egg or avocado slices to boost creaminess.
For a crowd-pleasing table spread, serve it with Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas for a BBQ-meets-Mediterranean feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
This bowl is a meal prep dream. Here’s how to store it right:
- Refrigerate: Store assembled bowls in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave or reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist.
- Freeze: Freeze just the cooked chicken and rice (not fresh veggies) for up to 3 months.
- Freshen it up: Add fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon/lime after reheating to bring it back to life.
These bowls pair well with salads like our Cottage Cheese and Chickpeas Salad for a protein-packed lunch combo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to serve with honey barbecue chicken?
Pair it with coleslaw, grilled corn, baked beans, or a fresh garden salad.
Is honey barbecue just honey and barbecue sauce?
Yes, it’s typically a mix of your favorite BBQ sauce and honey for sweetness. You can enhance it with garlic, mustard, or vinegar.
What do you put in a chicken rice bowl?
Typical ingredients include grilled chicken, rice, sautéed or raw veggies, and a flavorful sauce or dressing.
What goes with barbecue chicken and rice?
Roasted vegetables, garlic bread, avocado, or pickled onions add great contrast and depth.
What is a good side dish for BBQ chicken?
Options include mac and cheese, potato salad, corn on the cob, or green beans.
What is a good side dish for hot honey chicken?
Try creamy slaw, cornbread, roasted sweet potatoes, or elote (Mexican street corn).
For more flavor-packed chicken dishes, explore our Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes for something bold and different.
Final Thoughts
The Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl is more than just a meal—it’s a crave-worthy, customizable bowl of comfort that delivers big on flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh off the skillet or prepping for the week ahead, it never disappoints. With sweet honey, bold BBQ, and hearty rice, this is one of those recipes that quickly becomes a household favorite.
Make it tonight and experience just how delicious a homemade rice bowl can be. Don’t forget to tag your recreations and share the love!
Connect With Us & Share the Love!
Love this recipe? Follow us on your favorite social platforms. We’d love to feature your bake!
📌 Save it, bake it, and share it—because food tastes better when it brings people together.
Print
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting yet bold chicken rice bowl recipe with grilled honey BBQ chicken, sautéed vegetables, and fluffy rice, perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine or basmati preferred)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix honey, BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight for best flavor).
- Cook the Rice: Prepare rice according to the package instructions. Fluff and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Grill or pan-sear the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for about 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). Let rest, then slice.
- Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Add sliced bell pepper, onion, and corn. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until slightly charred but still crisp.
- Assemble the Bowl: Start with a scoop of rice, add the sautéed veggies, top with sliced chicken, and drizzle with additional honey BBQ sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite veggies or grain.
- Add hot sauce or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl, BBQ chicken, honey chicken