Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious and easy one-pan meal that combines tender chicken thighs with flavorful rice cooked in a sweet and smoky sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight, it offers a comforting balance of savory BBQ and honey sweetness.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional)
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken thighs evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic to create the sauce mixture.
4. Step 4: Using the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1 to 2 minutes to enhance its flavor. Then add the chicken broth and half of the sauce mixture. Stir well to combine.
5. Step 5: Return the chicken thighs to the pan, and pour the remaining sauce over the top.
6. Step 6: Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and the chicken to cook.
7. Step 7: Stir in the mixed vegetables, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
8. Step 8: Let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the BBQ and honey sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Replace mixed vegetables with fresh bell peppers, corn, or peas to suit your preferences.
• Use brown rice instead of long-grain rice, but increase the simmering time and liquid accordingly.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if the rice seems dry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts work well, but they may cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. Adjust cooking time accordingly and watch closely.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. This one-pan dish keeps well in the fridge and can be portioned for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 72 reviews

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a comforting one-pan meal featuring tender boneless chicken thighs cooked in a flavorful honey and BBQ sauce glaze, paired with fluffy long-grain rice simmered in chicken broth. Enhanced with garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and optional mixed vegetables, this dish is both hearty and easy to prepare, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Chicken and Seasoning

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Rice and Cooking Liquid

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth

Sauce

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Vegetables and Garnish

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional)
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, evenly coat the boneless chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to infuse the meat with aromatic spices.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the seasoned chicken thighs. Cook each side for 3–4 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside for later.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic to create a sweet and savory glaze that will complement the chicken and rice.
4. Toast the Rice: Using the same skillet, add the uncooked long-grain rice and toast it for 1–2 minutes. This step enhances the rice’s flavor with a slight nuttiness.
5. Add Cooking Liquid and Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth along with half of the prepared BBQ-honey sauce. Stir everything together to evenly distribute flavors and deglaze the pan.
6. Simmer with Chicken: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, arranging them on top of the rice. Drizzle the remaining sauce over the chicken. Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the liquid and the chicken to cook through.
7. Add Vegetables: Stir in the mixed vegetables if using, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the rice is tender, the chicken is fully cooked, and the vegetables are softened.
8. Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot.

Notes

• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat compared to chicken breasts.
• Mixed vegetables can include peas, carrots, bell peppers, or corn depending on preference.
• If you want a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly or simmer uncovered for a few minutes before serving.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when seasoning the chicken.
• This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, Chicken Rice, One-pan meal, BBQ sauce, Honey glaze, Skillet dinner, Easy chicken recipe