Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Mouthwatering Delight on a Plate

Ever experienced the irresistible aroma of caramelized honey and smoky BBQ wafting through your kitchen? This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a game changer! It combines tender chicken thighs, fluffy rice, and a luscious sauce in one simple dish. Seriously, your taste buds won’t know what hit them, and the best part? It’s ready in just about 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights!

Why Make This Recipe

Why should you dive into making this dish? First, easy cleanup! Who has time to wash a mountain of dishes after a long day? Not me. Second, it’s incredibly family-friendly. If you’ve got picky eaters, the sweet and smoky flavors will win them over in no time. Plus, it’s budget-friendly; you’ll be left with enough cash for a late-night snack! 😉

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 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

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps:

1. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
4. In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and half the sauce. Stir to combine.
6. Return the chicken to the pan and pour the remaining sauce over the top.
7. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
8. Add mixed vegetables, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
9. Let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice (Overview)

Making this dish is a breeze! Start by seasoning the chicken; really let those flavors sink in. Give it a nice sear in the skillet to lock in that juicy goodness. While the chicken gets cozy on the side, toast your rice in the same pan—trust me, this extra step adds a lovely nutty flavor. Mix in the chicken broth and sauce, settle in the chicken, and let everything simmer together. Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic! It elevates the entire dish.

How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Picture this: a warm serving of Honey BBQ Chicken Rice garnished with bright green onions, its sweet and smoky aroma filling the room. Serve it in vibrant bowls for a fun, colorful dinner! Pair it with a crunchy side salad or some crunchy coleslaw for added texture and freshness. Your friends will definitely ask for seconds. 🍽️

How to Store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Got leftovers? No worries! This dish keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Feel free to freeze it too—just make sure to store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the microwave or warm it on the stove for that freshly made taste.

Tips to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

• For a little extra crunch, try toasting some nuts or seeds to sprinkle on top before serving.
• Swap out chicken thighs for chicken breasts if that’s what you have. No shame in using what you’ve got!
• If you want to spice things up, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
• Need it gluten-free? Make sure to choose a gluten-free BBQ sauce!
• And always remember: letting it sit after cooking helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Variation

Feeling adventurous? Try adding some spices or herbs! A sprinkle of cilantro gives it a fresh twist, or toss in some sriracha for a spicy kick. You can also make it vegan by using tofu or tempeh in place of chicken. So many options to explore!

FAQs

Can I make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep and cook it earlier in the day, just reheat when ready to serve.

What if I don’t like BBQ sauce?
Want to customize? Try teriyaki sauce for a sweet Asian spin!

Can I freeze Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?
Definitely! Just cool it down, portion it, and seal it tightly for up to three months.

There you have it! Now, who’s ready to dig into a plate of this deliciousness?

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

A quick and easy one-pan dish featuring tender chicken thighs, fluffy rice, and a luscious honey BBQ sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main 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

Method

 

Preparation

1. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Cooking

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
3. In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and half the sauce. Stir to combine.
5. Return the chicken to the pan and pour the remaining sauce over the top.
6. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
7. Add mixed vegetables, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
8. Let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

Notes

For extra crunch, try toasting some nuts or seeds to sprinkle on top before serving. Feel free to substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. Gluten-free? Use gluten-free BBQ sauce.