Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Why Make This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delightful dish that beautifully combines sweet and savory flavors to create a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The tender chicken is infused with BBQ sauce and honey, while the rice absorbs all those mouth-watering flavors. It’s not only a hit for family dinners but also works well for meal prepping or feeding guests. Plus, it’s a one-pan recipe, making cleanup a breeze!

How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Making Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is simple and quick. This dish is all about layering flavors and textures to create a meal that feels rewarding but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have a delicious dinner that will leave your taste buds singing!

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:

1. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring every piece is well covered.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until it turns a beautiful golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
3. In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic for a rich, sticky glaze.
4. In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes until it smells nutty. This step enhances the rice’s flavor!
5. Add the chicken broth and half of the prepared sauce to the pan, stirring to combine.
6. Return the chicken to the pan and pour the remaining sauce over it.
7. Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to cook and soak up the sauce.
8. After 15 minutes, add the mixed vegetables, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
9. Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped green onions and serving hot.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (estimated for 4 servings):

• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 135mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 60g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 30g

How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is perfect for family-style meals or casual gatherings. Serve it straight from the pan, garnished with fresh green onions for a pop of color. You might also consider pairing it with a light-side salad or cornbread for a heartier approach. For special occasions, feel free to dress up the table with nice dishes and cutlery.

How to Store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

If you have leftovers, storing them is easy! Place the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; it will last in the freezer for about 2-3 months. Just make sure to reheat thoroughly, either on the stove or in the microwave, before serving.

Expert Tips for Perfect Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

• Choose the Right Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs provide more flavor and moisture than chicken breasts. However, if you prefer breasts, feel free to substitute them.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you like your dish sweeter, add more honey or use a BBQ sauce that has higher sugar content.
• Vegetable Additions: Don’t shy away from customizing the mixed vegetables! Frozen peas, corn, or bell pepper strips can all add great texture and color.
• Quick Prep: Marinate chicken in the seasoning a few hours in advance or overnight for even better flavor.

Delicious Variations

• Spicy BBQ Version: Add a teaspoon of chili powder or some diced jalapeños to the mixture for a spicy kick.
• Coconut Rice: Swap the chicken broth for coconut milk to make the rice creamy and deliciously tropical.
• Vegan Version: Use tofu or jackfruit as a substitute for chicken, and replace the honey with agave syrup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes about 45 minutes to cook, and you may need to increase the amount of chicken broth.

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?

Any BBQ sauce you enjoy will work! Choose a sauce based on your flavor preferences; for example, a smoky sauce pairs great with the honey and spices.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Definitely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. Just make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. The flavors will continue to deepen overnight.

Conclusion

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a fantastic dish that captures the essence of comfort food with its warm, savory flavors. It’s easy to make, delightfully satisfying, and perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a simple weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients and dive into this delicious culinary adventure—your taste buds will thank you! Don’t forget to share your experience or ask questions in the comments below; I’d love to hear from you!

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

A delightful one-pan dish that combines sweet and savory flavors with tender chicken, BBQ sauce, and honey, all absorbed by fluffy rice.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs Provides more flavor and moisture.
• 1 cup long-grain rice Use uncooked rice.
• 2 cups chicken broth Adjust based on rice type.
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce Choose your favorite BBQ sauce.
• 1/4 cup honey Adjust for sweetness preference.
• 1 tsp garlic powder For seasoning.
• 1 tsp onion powder For seasoning.
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika For seasoning.
• Salt and pepper to taste To season the chicken.
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional) Add color and texture.
• Chopped green onions for garnish For serving.

Method

 

Preparation

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 on each side until golden brown.
3. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, honey, and minced garlic for the glaze.
5. In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes until it smells nutty.

Cooking

1. Add chicken broth and half of the prepared sauce to the pan, stirring to combine.
2. Return the chicken to the pan and pour the remaining sauce over it.
3. Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
4. After 15 minutes, add the mixed vegetables, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped green onions.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.