why make this recipe
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious and easy meal to prepare. The sweet and tangy flavors of honey and BBQ sauce blend perfectly with tender chicken and fluffy rice. It’s ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep for the week. Plus, it uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
how to make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional)
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Directions:
- Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes. Add chicken broth and half the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pan, pour the remaining sauce over the top.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
- Add mixed vegetables, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
how to serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice directly from the skillet or transfer it to a serving dish. It pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. You can also add extra BBQ sauce on the side for those who love more flavor.
how to store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
tips to make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Ensure chicken is cooked through by checking that juices run clear.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey based on your taste preference.
- Toasting the rice adds a nice nutty flavor, so don’t skip that step!
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasonings.
variation
You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer. Adding different vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli can also make the dish more colorful and nutritious. If you want a vegetarian version, use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and amount of liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish and store it in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?
You can serve it with a side salad, steamed broccoli, or even some warm garlic bread for a complete meal.
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Ingredients
Method
- Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes. Add chicken broth and half the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pan, pour the remaining sauce over the top.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
- Add mixed vegetables, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.