Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Liquids and Flavor: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey until well combined with the rice.
- Return Chicken to Pan: Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the rice mixture, ensuring they are partially submerged.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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