Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken thighs simmer in a flavorful blend of BBQ sauce and honey, cooked together with rice and vegetables for an easy, satisfying dish.

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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Sear the chicken in a little oil for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown; then set aside.
4. Step 4: Toast the uncooked rice in the same pan for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Step 5: Add chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey to the pan; 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 the skillet and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
8. Step 8: Place mixed vegetables on top of the rice, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
9. Step 9: Let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs stay juicier during cooking.
• Swap mixed vegetables with your favorites like bell peppers, peas, or corn for variety.
• For extra smoky flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke or extra smoked paprika.
• If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, 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 brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the broth and simmer time accordingly to ensure it cooks through.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. It reheats well and makes for an easy packed lunch or dinner. Keep the rice moist by reheating with a little extra liquid.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 82 reviews

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious one-pan meal that combines tender, flavorful chicken thighs or breasts with sweet and tangy BBQ sauce and honey. Cooked together with rice, chicken broth, and mixed vegetables, this dish is a convenient and comforting option for a quick weeknight dinner. The blend of smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder adds depth to the juicy seared chicken, while simmering everything together allows the rice to soak up all the savory and sweet flavors.

• Author: Viktoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• 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)

Additional

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil (for searing chicken)

Instructions

1. Prepare the skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat to get it ready for searing the chicken.
2. Season the chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken thighs or breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
3. Sear the chicken: Add oil to the hot skillet and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Toast the rice: Using the same skillet, add the uncooked long-grain rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to develop a nutty flavor.
5. Add liquids and sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey into the skillet with the toasted rice. Stir well to combine all the flavors evenly.
6. Simmer the chicken with rice: Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, submerging them slightly in the liquid. Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium heat.
7. Cook covered: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes so the rice absorbs the liquid and the chicken cooks through.
8. Add vegetables and finish cooking: Place the mixed vegetables on top of the chicken and rice, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
9. Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Then fluff the rice with a fork before serving to separate the grains and mix everything slightly.

Notes

• You can use either chicken thighs for more juiciness or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
• Frozen mixed vegetables can be used if fresh are not available, just ensure they are thawed before adding.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken has reached 165°F for safe consumption.
• For extra flavor, try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to the sauce mixture.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning.
• This recipe is easily doubled for larger families or meal prep.

Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, One-pan meal, Chicken with rice, BBQ chicken recipe, Quick dinner, Easy chicken recipe, Comfort food