why make this recipe
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is easy, filling, and tasty. You get sticky sweet chicken and soft rice in one pan. This dish saves time and cleanup. If you like simple chicken dishes, also check this honey lemon and pepper fried chicken wings for another quick meal idea.
introduction
This recipe mixes BBQ sauce and honey for a sweet and smoky flavor. You cook the chicken and rice together so the rice soaks up the sauce. You can add vegetables for color and nutrition. This meal works for weeknights or a casual dinner.
how to make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Season the chicken 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 and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes. Add chicken broth and half the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pan, pour the remaining sauce over the top.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
- Add mixed vegetables, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
For a change in protein or sauce texture, you can follow steps like other BBQ recipes such as baked BBQ baby back ribs to copy marinading ideas.
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 chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes. Add chicken broth and half the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pan, pour the remaining sauce over the top.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
- Add mixed vegetables, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
how to serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Serve hot from the pan. Spoon rice onto plates and place chicken on top. Sprinkle chopped green onions. Add a side salad or steamed greens for freshness. The dish pairs well with simple sides.
how to store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Cool the food to room temperature for no more than 2 hours. Place in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Use chicken thighs for more flavor and moist meat.
- Toast the rice a bit in the pan for better texture.
- If the rice is still firm, add 1/4 cup more broth and cook a few minutes longer.
- Stir in vegetables at the end so they stay bright and not mushy.
- For a crunchy topping, try adding crisp chips or breadcrumbs when serving, inspired by casseroles like cheesy Doritos chicken casserole.
variation (if any)
- Swap chicken thighs for boneless chicken breasts; cook time may vary.
- Use brown rice, but add 10–15 minutes extra cooking time and more broth.
- Make it spicy by adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne to the sauce.
- Add pineapple chunks for a sweet-tart twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes. Skip searing. Add cooked chicken near the end to warm through so it does not dry out.
Q: Can I use instant rice?
A: Instant rice cooks much faster. Add it after the chicken has cooked and follow package instructions for liquid.
Q: Is soy sauce necessary?
A: No. Soy sauce adds depth and salt. You can skip it or use low-sodium if you prefer.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Use firm tofu or a meat substitute and vegetable broth. Adjust cooking time for the substitute.
Conclusion
If you want more ideas like this, check these recipes for similar flavors and one-pan meals: Honey BBQ Chicken Bowls · Easy Family Recipes, Honey BBQ Chicken Rice – Gourmet Martha, and One-Skillet Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe – Recipes by Clare.
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs Use chicken thighs for more flavor and moist meat.
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Rice and Sauce
- 1 cup long-grain rice Toast the rice for better texture.
- 2 cups chicken broth Add more broth if needed for firm rice.
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce Can skip soy sauce if preferred.
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional) Add at the end for color and nutrition.
For Garnish
- Chopped green onions For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cooking
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes. Add chicken broth and half the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pan, pour the remaining sauce over the top.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
- Add mixed vegetables, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
