Delicious Honey BBQ Chicken served over a bed of rice.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

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Why Make This Recipe

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delightful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and sweet BBQ sauce. It’s quick to make and pleasing to kids and adults alike. The dish is not only tasty but also colorful, thanks to the added mixed vegetables. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it fills the home with a wonderful aroma!

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:

  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, directly from the pan. You can place it in bowls or on plates, topping it with extra green onions or parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it until hot, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to keep the rice moist.

Tips to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

  • Feel free to use any variety of vegetables you like or have on hand. Bell peppers, peas, or corn work great.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, try using spicy BBQ sauce or adding red pepper flakes.
  • Make sure the chicken is fully cooked; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Variation

You can customize this dish by using different proteins like shrimp or tofu, or by adding various spices to change the flavor profile. Experiment with different types of rice, such as brown rice for added nutrients.

FAQs

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

2. Is this dish gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free BBQ sauce and check that the chicken broth is gluten-free, then this dish can be gluten-free.

3. Can I make this meal in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead and reheat it for easy serving. Just make sure to store it properly in the fridge.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

A delightful one-pan meal combining tender chicken, flavorful rice, and sweet BBQ sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
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, Comfort food
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
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables frozen or fresh
  • Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

Method
 

Cooking
  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!

Notes

Feel free to use any variety of vegetables you like. You can customize this dish by using different proteins like shrimp or tofu, or by adding various spices to change the flavor profile.