Print

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl for Two

honey BBQ chicken rice bowl - featured image

Sticky-sweet honey BBQ chicken, smoky and caramelized, is piled over fluffy rice with crisp veggies for a comforting, healthy dinner for two. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and can be adapted to suit any dietary needs or veggies you have on hand.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 10 oz), cut into bite-size cubes
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice (jasmine or basmati recommended)
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas or sweetcorn (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup uncooked rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine with 2 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes (white rice) or 35-40 minutes (brown rice), until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  2. While rice cooks, cut chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 10 minutes (up to 30 minutes in the fridge for more flavor).
  3. Dice red and yellow bell peppers. Thinly slice red onion. Slice green onions and chop cilantro if using. Measure out peas or corn.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken (reserve extra marinade). Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes, until chicken is browned and nearly cooked through.
  5. Add bell peppers, red onion, and peas or corn to the skillet with the chicken. Pour in any remaining marinade. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until veggies are just tender and chicken is cooked through. The sauce should bubble and thicken.
  6. Divide rice between two bowls. Spoon honey BBQ chicken and veggie mixture over the top. Sprinkle with green onions and cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Marinate the chicken for at least 10 minutes for best flavor. Sauté chicken separately before adding veggies for better texture. Use tamari and gluten-free BBQ sauce for a gluten-free version. Swap chicken for tofu for a vegetarian option. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much or starts to burn. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey BBQ chicken, rice bowl, healthy dinner, easy recipe, chicken rice bowl, weeknight dinner, meal prep, gluten-free option, quick dinner, BBQ chicken bowl