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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Heat the pan: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat to prepare for searing the chicken.
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken thighs or breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add liquids and sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey until well combined with the rice.
- Return the chicken: Place the seared chicken back into the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture evenly.
- 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.
- Add vegetables: After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables evenly over the rice and chicken.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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
