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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://kochenmitviktoria.com/honey-bbq-chicken-rice-recipe/