Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal that combines tender chicken with savory-seasoned rice cooked in a delicious honey BBQ sauce. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that promises to satisfy with minimal cleanup.

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 (frozen or fresh)
• Oil for searing chicken

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little oil.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Sear the chicken in the hot oil for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, toast the uncooked rice for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Step 5: Add the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey to the rice; stir well to combine.
6. Step 6: Return the seared chicken to the pan and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
7. Step 7: Cover and reduce heat to low; simmer for 15 minutes.
8. Step 8: Place mixed vegetables on top without stirring; cover and cook an additional 5 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
9. Step 9: Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, or thighs for more flavor and juiciness.
• Substitute mixed vegetables with fresh bell peppers, corn, or peas for variety.
• For a smoky kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the seasoning.
• To make it spicier, choose a spicy BBQ sauce or add hot sauce to taste.

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 water or broth to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of long-grain white rice?

Yes, but you will need to increase the cooking time and liquid amount since brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more liquid.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

It’s best served fresh but you can cook the components ahead. Store the cooked chicken and rice separately and gently reheat them together when ready to serve.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 71 reviews

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a comforting one-pan dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken thighs with flavorful long-grain rice cooked in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce. Enhanced with mixed vegetables for added nutrition, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

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

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

Rice and Sauce

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

Vegetables

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)

Instructions

1. Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and let it warm up.
2. Season the chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken thighs or breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper evenly on all sides.
3. Sear the chicken: Add a small amount of oil to the hot skillet and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until it develops a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Toast the rice: In the same skillet, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and to pick up any flavorful bits left from the chicken.
5. Add liquid and sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey, stirring to combine thoroughly and deglaze the pan.
6. Simmer with chicken: Return the seared chicken to the pan with the rice mixture. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
7. Cook covered: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes to cook the rice and chicken.
8. Add vegetables: Place the mixed vegetables on top of the rice and chicken. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
9. Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.

Notes

• Use bone-in chicken if you prefer, but cooking time may vary.
• Adjust BBQ sauce and honey amounts to taste for sweetness and smokiness.
• Frozen mixed vegetables work well, but fresh vegetables can be used for a crisper texture.
• Make sure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes during seasoning.

Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, One-Pan Dinner, Chicken Rice Recipe, Easy Weeknight Meal, BBQ Chicken, Comfort Food