Why Make This Recipe
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious and fun meal that combines juicy chicken, sticky honey, and tangy BBQ sauce. It’s a one-pan dish that is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe packs a lot of flavor while also providing a hearty serving of rice and vegetables. It’s a great way to bring comfort food to your table without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- 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)
- Chopped green onions or parsley
Directions
- Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat.
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add a drizzle of oil to the pan and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey.
- Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice.
- Cover again and continue cooking for 5 more minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot!
How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice hot, straight from the pan. You can add a side salad or some extra veggies to make it a complete meal. The dish looks great garnished with chopped green onions or parsley, adding a pop of color.
How to Store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove with a bit of water to keep the rice from drying out.
Tips to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Use a non-stick pan for easier cooking and cleaning.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of honey and BBQ sauce to suit your taste.
- If you want extra spice, add some chili powder or diced jalapeños to the chicken seasoning.
Variation
You can switch up the protein by using pork or turkey instead of chicken. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas. You can also use brown rice to make it a healthier option, though you may need to increase the cooking time and liquid.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it requires more cooking time and liquid. Follow the package instructions for best results.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
You can use any BBQ sauce you like! Sweet, smoky, or spicy varieties all work well with this recipe.
Can I freeze leftover Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?
Yes, it freezes well! Just let it cool and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to three months.
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- to taste Salt and pepper
For the Rice
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- Chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat.
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cooking
- Add a drizzle of oil to the pan and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey.
- Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice.
- Cover again and continue cooking for 5 more minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot!
