Why Make This Recipe
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious and easy one-pan meal that combines juicy chicken, flavorful rice, and a sweet BBQ sauce. It’s perfect for families or anyone looking to enjoy a filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The honey adds a lovely sweetness that balances nicely with the tangy BBQ sauce, making every bite a treat. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies if you choose to add them!
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 the chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes. Then, add the chicken broth and half of the sauce mixture. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pan and pour the remaining sauce over the top.
- Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, add the mixed vegetables, cover again, and cook for 5 more minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Serve this dish warm, directly from the skillet, for a cozy family meal. It pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread. To make it more festive, you could also serve it on a platter and garnish with extra green onions for color and flavor!
How to Store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3–4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Tips to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
- Feel free to add different vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as bell peppers or peas.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the BBQ sauce mixture for a few hours before cooking.
Make-Ahead & Meal-Prep
Marinate (best flavor): Mix BBQ sauce + honey + spices; coat chicken 2–24 hrs.
Prep now, cook later: Measure rice/broth into a lidded container; keep in the fridge up to 24 hrs.
Leftovers: Keeps 3–4 days chilled. Reheat gently with a splash of broth/water.
Variation
You can make this dish with different types of chicken, such as chicken breast, or even swap the rice for quinoa for a healthier option. Adjust the sauce with different flavors, such as switching out the honey for maple syrup.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can! Just be aware that chicken breasts may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
Use your favorite BBQ sauce! Sweet, tangy, or smoky varieties will all work well.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Ingredients
Chicken Preparation
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice and Sauce
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
Vegetables
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional) You can add bell peppers or peas as well.
Garnish
- Chopped green onions For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Cooking
- In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, honey, and minced garlic.
- In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes. Then, add the chicken broth and half of the sauce mixture. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pan and pour the remaining sauce over the top.
- Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, add the mixed vegetables, cover again, and cook for 5 more minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.