Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Why Make This Recipe
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious and comforting dish that brings together the sweet and tangy flavors of honey and BBQ sauce with tender chicken and fluffy rice. It’s an easy one-pot meal that can be made quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices to suit your taste.
How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
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
Directions
- Season the chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, and soy sauce (if using).
- In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes until slightly golden. Add chicken broth and half of the sauce mixture. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pan and pour the remaining sauce over the top.
- Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
- Add the mixed vegetables (if using), cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice hot in bowls. You can top it with more chopped green onions for extra flavor. This dish goes well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How to Store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
To store leftovers, let the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little water if needed.
Tips to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Make sure to season the chicken well to ensure full flavor.
- You can use brown rice instead of white rice, but it may require a longer cooking time.
- Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or peas for added nutrition.
- If you like it spicier, add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning.
Variation
You can make this dish with different proteins like shrimp or tofu, or you can swap out the rice for quinoa for a healthier alternative.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they cook through properly.
- What can I substitute for honey? If you’re looking for a different sweetener, maple syrup or agave nectar can work well in place of honey.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and rice mixture ahead of time, just be sure to refrigerate it. Reheat it before serving.
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs Can substitute with chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice Brown rice can be used but may require longer cooking time
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey Substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar if desired
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste Ensure the chicken is seasoned well
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional) Can use bell peppers or peas for added nutrition
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, and soy sauce (if using).
Cooking
- In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden. Add chicken broth and half of the sauce mixture. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pan and pour the remaining sauce over the top.
- Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
- Add the mixed vegetables (if using), cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
