Sticky Honey Garlic Smoked Sausage and Rice

Sticky Honey Garlic Smoked Sausage and Rice is an easy one-pan dinner made with browned sausage, tender jasmine rice, and a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. It is filling, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want a complete meal without using several pots and pans. If you enjoy easy skillet meals, try this Sausage and Rice Skillet or Shrimp and Sausage Rice Skillet next.

What makes this version stand out is the cooking order. Browning the smoked sausage first builds a smoky, savory base, while briefly cooking the garlic brings out its flavor without burning it. The honey and soy sauce coat the sausage before the rice simmers in chicken broth, allowing every bite to absorb the sweet, salty, and smoky flavors. For another sweet and savory dinner, check out these Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It is easy to make with simple ingredients.

It delivers bold sweet, smoky, and savory flavor without a complicated process.

It comes together in one skillet, which makes cleanup easier.

It works well for weeknight dinners, family meals, or meal prep.

It can be adjusted with different sausage varieties, vegetables, and spice levels.

Key Ingredients

Smoked Sausage

Smoked sausage gives the dish its savory, smoky flavor. Browning the slices before adding the remaining ingredients creates caramelized edges and adds more flavor to the entire skillet.

Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice becomes tender and fluffy while absorbing the chicken broth and honey garlic sauce. Its mild flavor allows the sausage and sauce to remain the focus of the dish.

Honey

Honey adds sweetness and helps create the sticky coating on the sausage. It balances the salty soy sauce and the smoky flavor of the meat.

Garlic

Fresh garlic gives the dish a warm, savory flavor. Cooking it briefly after browning the sausage prevents it from burning while still allowing it to become fragrant.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce adds saltiness, depth, and umami. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you want more control over the overall salt level.

Equipment Needed

Large Skillet

Use a deep skillet with a tight-fitting lid so there is enough room to brown the sausage.

Cutting Board and Sharp Knife

A cutting board and sharp knife make it easy to slice the sausage into even rounds and prepare the garlic.

Small Mixing Bowl

Use a small bowl to combine the honey, soy sauce, and seasonings before adding the sauce to the skillet.

How to Make Sticky Honey Garlic Smoked Sausage and Rice

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Slice the smoked sausage into even rounds and mince the garlic. Measure the honey, soy sauce, seasonings, jasmine rice, and chicken broth before you begin cooking.

Step 2: Build the Flavor

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges are browned.

Add the garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, just until fragrant.

In a small bowl, stir together the honey, soy sauce, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. Pour the mixture into the skillet and stir until the sausage is evenly coated.

Step 3: Cook Until Tender

Add the jasmine rice and frozen peas and carrots to the skillet, then stir until everything is coated in the honey garlic sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender, the vegetables are heated through, and the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and leave it covered for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the rice to finish steaming and absorb any remaining moisture.

Fluff the rice gently with a fork, stir the sausage throughout, and serve warm. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or extra red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips for the Best Results

Brown the sausage in a single layer so the slices develop caramelized edges instead of steaming.

Do not cook the garlic for too long because minced garlic can burn quickly and become bitter.

Use a skillet with a tight-fitting lid to keep the steam inside while the rice cooks.

Avoid lifting the lid repeatedly because escaping steam can leave the rice undercooked.

Use low-sodium chicken broth and soy sauce if the smoked sausage is already salty.

Let the rice rest for 5 minutes before fluffing so it can finish absorbing the moisture.

If the rice still feels firm after 20 minutes, add a small splash of broth, cover, and continue cooking for a few more minutes.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Honey Garlic Sausage and Rice: Increase the red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper, sliced jalapeños, or hot sauce.

Chicken Sausage Version: Replace the smoked sausage with smoked chicken sausage or turkey sausage.

Sausage and Vegetable Rice: Add diced bell peppers, onions, broccoli, peas, carrots, or zucchini.

Cajun Sausage and Rice: Add Cajun seasoning and use smoked hot links or andouille-style sausage.

Pineapple Sausage and Rice: Stir in drained pineapple chunks near the end for a sweet and savory variation.

Extra Sticky Version: Reserve a small amount of honey and soy sauce, simmer it separately until slightly thickened, and drizzle it over the finished dish.

What to Serve with Sticky Honey Garlic Smoked Sausage and Rice

Serve it with Southern-Style Green Beans, Garlic Butter Skillet Asparagus, roasted broccoli, or sautéed spinach.

Pair it with a simple green salad or cucumber salad to balance the sweet and smoky flavors.

Add Soft and Fluffy Dinner Rolls or Southern Cornbread for a filling comfort-style meal.

For a lighter option, serve it with steamed vegetables or a side of cauliflower rice.

Pair it with Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey Legs, Smoked BBQ Baked Beans, or Southern Baked Mac and Cheese for a Southern-style dinner.

Serve it as part of a cookout spread with Grilled BBQ Chicken Halves, Smoked Ribs, or smoked vegetables.

Top it with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, chopped parsley, hot sauce, or extra red pepper flakes.

Make Ahead, Storage, and Reheating

Make Ahead

You can slice the sausage, mince the garlic, and combine the honey garlic sauce up to one day in advance. Store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.

The completed dish can also be prepared up to 2 days ahead and reheated before serving.

Storage

Allow the sausage and rice to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing

This recipe can be frozen, although the rice may become slightly softer after thawing. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months.

Thaw the rice overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water. Cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring between each interval.

To reheat on the stovetop, place the sausage and rice in a covered skillet over low heat. Add a small amount of broth and stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the entire dish up to 2 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Add a splash of broth when reheating to keep the rice moist.

How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months if needed.

Can I substitute the smoked sausage?

Yes. You can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, kielbasa, beef sausage, hot links, or another fully cooked smoked sausage.

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, but the amount of broth and cooking time may need to change. Long-grain white rice is the closest substitute for jasmine rice. Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time.

What is the best way to reheat this?

Reheat it in a covered skillet with a small splash of chicken broth. The extra moisture keeps the rice from drying out.

Can I make this in the oven?

Yes. Brown the sausage and garlic in an oven-safe skillet, stir in the remaining ingredients, cover tightly, and bake at 375°F for approximately 25–30 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

How do I know when it is done?

The rice should be tender and fluffy with no hard center. Most of the broth should be absorbed, and the sausage should be hot with browned edges.

If you tried Sticky Honey Garlic Smoked Sausage and Rice or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it turned out in the comments!