Delicious plate of Honey BBQ Chicken served on rice with garnishes.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

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Why Make This Recipe

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. It is perfect for busy weeknights as it is easy to prepare and requires just one pan. With its mix of juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables, it is a complete meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, the combination of honey and BBQ sauce gives it a unique taste that is sure to please your family and friends.

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 for garnish

Directions

  1. Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat.
  2. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add a drizzle of oil to the pan and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey.
  6. Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture.
  7. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
  8. After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice.
  9. Cover again and continue cooking for 5 more minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
  10. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice.
  11. 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 place it on a colorful plate to make it more appealing. Adding extra chopped green onions or parsley on top can make it look fresh and inviting. It pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

How to Store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you want to eat it again, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist while reheating.

Tips to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

  • Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
  • If you want more flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce and honey for a few hours before cooking.
  • Feel free to customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables or switching the type of rice.

Variation

You can switch up the sauce by using teriyaki sauce instead of BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile. Adding crushed red pepper flakes can also give it a spicy kick.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of liquid. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook.

2. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just brown the chicken first, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

3. What types of vegetables can I add?
You can add any vegetables you like! Bell peppers, peas, carrots, or even spinach are great options to mix with the rice.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

A delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors, perfect for busy weeknights and easy one-pan preparation.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main 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 for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat.
  2. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add a drizzle of oil to the pan and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Cooking
  1. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey.
  2. Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture.
  3. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice.
  5. Cover again and continue cooking for 5 more minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
  6. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice.
  7. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot!

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.