Plate of Honey BBQ Chicken served with rice and garnished with parsley.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

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why make this recipe

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious and easy meal that brings together sweet and savory flavors. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick but satisfying. It combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and tasty vegetables all in one pot. Plus, it’s packed with protein, making it a great option for families. The honey and BBQ sauce create a wonderful glaze that makes each bite delightful.

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, right from the skillet. This dish looks great on a plate or in a bowl. You can garnish it with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh touch. It’s perfect with a simple side salad or some crusty bread if you want something extra.

how to store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

If you have leftovers, you can store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or warm it up on the stove until heated through.

tips to make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce and honey for a few hours before cooking.
  • Make sure to cooked chicken is fully cooked before serving. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or peas for more color and nutrients.

variation

You can switch up the protein by using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different taste. If you like a little heat, add some chili powder or hot sauce to the chicken seasoning. You can also use brown rice for a healthier option, but adjust the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice usually takes about 40-45 minutes to cook.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and ensure your chicken broth is also gluten-free.

3. Can I freeze Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?
Yes, you can freeze it! Store in an airtight container, and it will last for about 2-3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

A delicious and easy one-pot meal combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and mixed vegetables with a sweet and savory honey BBQ glaze.
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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
 

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

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce and honey for a few hours before cooking. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or peas for more color and nutrients.