Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal that combines tender chicken with savory rice and a sweet, smoky sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without the fuss. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers a deliciously balanced dish every time.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen)
• 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 small amount of oil to the pan and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1–2 minutes, stirring often.
5. Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth, then mix in the BBQ sauce and honey.
6. Step 6: Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice.
7. Step 7: Bring to a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
8. Step 8: Add the mixed vegetables on top, cover again, and cook for 5 more minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Step 9: Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes.
10. Step 10: Fluff the rice and garnish with green onions or parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Try different BBQ sauces: Some are smoky, some sweeter — change the flavor profile with just one ingredient.
• Make it vegetarian: Use tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken.
• Great for meal prep: Double the recipe and enjoy easy lunches throughout the week.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist. This dish does not freeze well due to the texture of the rice and sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, both chicken thighs and breasts work well in this recipe. Thighs tend to stay juicier, while breasts are leaner. Adjust cooking time if needed to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I substitute the rice with quinoa or another grain?

Quinoa or other grains can be used, but cooking times and liquid amounts will need to be adjusted accordingly. Follow package instructions for best results and make sure the chicken cooks through properly.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 75 reviews

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and easy one-pan meal combining tender chicken thighs or breasts with smoky BBQ sauce, sweet honey, and perfectly cooked rice and veggies. This comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with different BBQ sauces or made vegetarian with tofu or chickpeas.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 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

Rice and Sauce

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

Vegetables and Garnish

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

Other

• Oil for searing chicken

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken thighs or breasts.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Toast the Rice: In the same pan with pan drippings, add the uncooked long-grain rice. Stir frequently and toast the rice for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly fragrant and lightly golden.
4. Add Liquids and Flavor: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey until well combined with the rice.
5. Return Chicken to Pan: Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the rice mixture, ensuring they are partially submerged.
6. Simmer Covered: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for 15 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the liquid and chicken to cook thoroughly.
7. Add Vegetables: Place the mixed vegetables on top of the chicken and rice. Cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Rest and Garnish: Remove the pan from heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving.

Notes

• Try different BBQ sauces to vary the flavor, from smoky to sweeter profiles.
• Make it vegetarian by substituting chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
• Double the recipe for meal prepping lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Serve with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, BBQ Chicken, Chicken and Rice, One Pan Meal, Easy Dinner, Weeknight Recipe