Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a comforting one-pan meal bursting with sweet and smoky flavors. Tender chicken thighs simmer in a flavorful sauce with rice and optional vegetables, making it perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken thighs evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic (optional for extra flavor).
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes until lightly fragrant.
5. Step 5: Add chicken broth and half of the prepared sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine well.
6. Step 6: Return the chicken to the pan and pour the remaining sauce over the top.
7. Step 7: Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
8. Step 8: Stir in mixed vegetables if using, cover again, and cook for 5 more minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
9. Step 9: Let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes to settle. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add minced garlic or a splash of soy sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture.
• Use brown rice instead of white, but increase the simmering time accordingly and add more broth if needed.
• Add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn for more color and nutrition.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts will work but they cook faster and can dry out more easily, so watch the cooking time closely to keep the chicken tender.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

You can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 52 reviews

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender seared chicken thighs simmered in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, combined with fluffy long-grain rice and optional mixed vegetables. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 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 Broth

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth

Sauce

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Additional Ingredients

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional)
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to build a flavorful base.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the chicken thighs. Sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Prepare the BBQ Honey Sauce: In a small bowl, combine BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic thoroughly to create a sweet and savory sauce that will infuse the dish with bold flavors.
4. Toast the Rice: Using the same skillet, add the uncooked long-grain rice. Toast it for 1 to 2 minutes over medium heat while stirring constantly to enhance its nutty flavor.
5. Add Liquids and Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth along with half of the prepared BBQ honey sauce. Stir everything to combine, allowing the rice to begin absorbing the flavors.
6. Simmer Chicken and Rice: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet and pour the remaining sauce over the top. Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes to cook the rice and infuse the chicken with sauce.
7. Add Vegetables: Add the mixed vegetables on top of the rice and chicken, cover again, and cook an additional 5 minutes or until the rice is tender, the chicken is fully cooked, and the vegetables are heated through.
8. Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs provide more moisture and flavor.
• The mixed vegetables are optional; feel free to use frozen vegetable blends or fresh vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn.
• Adjust the amount of honey and BBQ sauce based on your desired sweetness and tanginess.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix.
• This dish can be doubled easily for larger gatherings using a larger skillet or pan.

Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, Chicken and Rice, One-Pan Meal, BBQ Chicken Recipe, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner