Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious one-pan meal that combines tender chicken thighs with flavorful rice simmered in a sweet and smoky sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, comforting, and easy to prepare.

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 with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper evenly on both sides.
2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until it is golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic until well combined.
4. Step 4: Using the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
5. Step 5: Add the chicken broth and half of the sauce mixture to the toasted rice, stirring to combine.
6. Step 6: Return the chicken thighs to the pan and pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top.
7. Step 7: Cover the pan and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and the chicken to cook through.
8. Step 8: Add the mixed vegetables (if using), cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the rice is tender and vegetables are heated through.
9. Step 9: Remove the pan from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before serving.
10. Step 10: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot for a satisfying meal.

Tips & Variations

• Use long-grain rice for the best texture and to prevent clumping.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste.
• For a smoky flavor, choose a mesquite or hickory-flavored BBQ sauce.
• To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water if the rice feels dry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?

Long-grain rice works best for even cooking and texture, but you can use jasmine or basmati rice as alternatives. Avoid sticky or quick-cooking rice varieties for best results.

Can I prepare this recipe without mixed vegetables?

Yes, the vegetables are optional. You can add your favorite veggies or leave them out entirely if you prefer a simpler dish.

Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 124 reviews

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious one-pan meal featuring tender, seasoned chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful mix of BBQ sauce and honey, combined with perfectly cooked long-grain rice and optional mixed vegetables. The dish boasts a balance of smoky and sweet flavors, making it an easy, comforting dinner option.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Chicken and Seasonings

• 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 Broth

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

Sauce

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

Additional Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken thighs evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to infuse them with bold flavors.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken thighs for 3–4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic to create a sweet and smoky sauce mixture.
4. Toast the Rice: Using the same skillet, toast the uncooked long-grain rice for 1–2 minutes to bring out its nutty flavor.
5. Add Broth and Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and half of the prepared sauce, stirring to combine the ingredients evenly with the rice.
6. Simmer with Chicken: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, pouring the remaining sauce over the top. Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes to allow the rice to cook and chicken to absorb flavors.
7. Add Vegetables and Finish Cooking: Stir in the mixed vegetables if using, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
8. Rest and Serve: Remove from heat and let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot for a flavorful and complete meal.

Notes

• Use long-grain rice for the best texture and flavor.
• Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey according to your preference.
• For an extra smoky flavor, try using mesquite or hickory BBQ sauce.
• To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute chicken thighs with tofu or chickpeas for a protein-rich option.

Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, Chicken and Rice, One-Pan Dinner, BBQ Sauce Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipes, Comfort Food