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Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

4.8 from 12 reviews

A flavorful and easy one-pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe featuring tender chicken seared to perfection, combined with savory BBQ sauce and honey, cooked together with fluffy rice and mixed vegetables. This wholesome dish offers a balanced meal packed with protein, vegetables, and comforting flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Drizzle of oil for searing

Rice and Sauce

  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
  • ¼ cup honey

Vegetables and Garnish

  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
  • Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the skillet: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat to get it ready for cooking the chicken and rice.
  2. Season the chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken thighs or breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper ensuring full flavor coverage.
  3. Sear the chicken: Add a small drizzle of oil to the heated pan. Place the chicken in the pan and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
  4. Toast the rice: In the same pan with remaining oil and chicken flavors, add the uncooked rice. Stir frequently and toast the rice for 1-2 minutes until it becomes slightly aromatic and translucent around the edges.
  5. Add liquids and sauce: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, then stir in ½ cup BBQ sauce and ¼ cup honey until everything is well combined and the sauce blends into the broth.
  6. Return chicken to pan: Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the rice mixture to allow all flavors to meld while cooking together.
  7. Simmer covered: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes to cook the rice and infuse flavors.
  8. Add vegetables: After 15 minutes, evenly sprinkle 1 cup of mixed vegetables on top of the rice. Cover the pan again to continue cooking.
  9. Finish cooking: Cook covered for another 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender, the vegetables are heated through, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  10. Rest the dish: Remove the pan from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the rice to fluff and the flavors to settle.
  11. Garnish and serve: Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving to add freshness and color.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat; chicken breasts work well for a leaner option.
  • Feel free to customize the BBQ sauce to your taste, from sweet to spicy varieties.
  • Frozen mixed vegetables can be used, but fresh adds a nicer texture.
  • Make sure to verify the chicken’s internal temperature with a thermometer for safe consumption.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey BBQ chicken, chicken rice recipe, one pan meal, easy BBQ chicken, dinner recipe, chicken thigh recipe