Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a comforting one-pan meal that combines tender, flavorful chicken with perfectly cooked rice and a sweet-savory sauce. It’s easy to prepare and packed with delicious smoky and honey notes that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
• Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Add a drizzle of oil to the pan and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey.
6. Step 6: Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture.
7. Step 7: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
8. Step 8: After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice.
9. Step 9: Cover again and continue cooking for 5 more minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
10. Step 10: Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice.
11. Step 11: Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce and honey for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Use brown rice instead of long-grain white rice, but increase cooking time and liquid accordingly.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Use fresh vegetables like bell peppers and corn if preferred instead of frozen mixed vegetables.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well. Just be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out more easily than thighs.

Is it necessary to toast the rice before cooking?

Toasting the rice enhances its flavor and adds a subtle nutty taste, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 103 reviews

• Author: Lily
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful one-pan meal combining tender, spice-seasoned chicken thighs or breasts with perfectly cooked long-grain rice, infused with a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce. Mixed vegetables add freshness and color, while a garnish of green onions or parsley completes this easy, hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Drizzle of oil (for searing)

Rice and Sauce

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
• ¼ cup honey

Vegetables and Garnish

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
• Chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat the pan: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat to prepare for searing the chicken.
2. Season the chicken: Season the chicken thighs or breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Sear the chicken: Add a drizzle of oil to the hot pan and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
4. Toast the rice: In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and enhance flavor.
5. Add liquids and sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey until well combined with the rice.
6. Return the chicken: Place the seared chicken back into the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture evenly.
7. Simmer the dish: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 15 minutes to cook the rice and chicken through.
8. Add vegetables: After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables evenly over the rice and chicken.
9. Finish cooking: Cover the pan again and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
10. Rest the dish: Remove the pan from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and rice to fluff.
11. Garnish and serve: Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice hot.

Notes

• You can use either chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option.
• The mixed vegetables can be fresh or frozen, according to your preference.
• Adjust the BBQ sauce and honey ratio for sweetness or tanginess to suit your taste.
• Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, one-pan meal, easy dinner, chicken thighs recipe, BBQ sauce chicken, rice skillet, quick chicken recipe