Description
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delightful one-pan meal combining tender chicken thighs or breasts glazed with honey and smoky BBQ sauce, served over fluffy long-grain rice with mixed vegetables. This quick and flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering comforting, sweet, and smoky notes in every bite while requiring minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain rice
Liquids & Sauces
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen)
Oils
- 1-2 tbsp cooking oil (such as vegetable or olive oil)
Instructions
- Season and sear the chicken: Season the chicken thighs or breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until nicely golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Toast the rice: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the uncooked long-grain rice. Toast it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning, enhancing the rice’s nutty flavor.
- Add liquids and chicken: Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey into the skillet with the toasted rice. Stir gently to combine. Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, nestling it into the liquid and rice mixture. Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through and the rice to absorb the flavors.
- Add vegetables: Scatter the mixed vegetables evenly on top of the rice and chicken. Cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender, the rice is fully cooked, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, serve portions of the honey BBQ chicken and rice mixture, and enjoy your delicious meal.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more flavorful, juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option.
- You can substitute mixed vegetables with fresh broccoli, bell peppers, or peas based on preference.
- Adjust honey and BBQ sauce amounts to increase or decrease sweetness or smokiness to your taste.
- For extra depth, add a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the liquids.
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s properly cooked.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
