Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken thighs with flavorful rice, all coated in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. This recipe is not only easy to make but also gives you a comforting meal that can be enjoyed any night of the week.
Table of Contents
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect if you’re looking for a quick and tasty dinner option. It brings together some of the best flavors; sweet honey, smoky BBQ, and savory chicken, all in one hearty meal. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate rice and vegetables into your diet, making it a balanced choice for families and busy individuals.
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 with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for about 1–2 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth and half of the prepared sauce. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pan, then pour the remaining sauce over the top.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 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.
- Let sit for 5 minutes, then garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
A delicious dish combining tender chicken thighs and flavorful rice in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
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
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, honey, and minced garlic.
- In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for about 1–2 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth and half of the prepared sauce. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pan, then pour the remaining sauce over the top.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 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.
- Let sit for 5 minutes, then garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Notes
Customize the spices and add more vegetables if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Paleo
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
To serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, dish out the rice and chicken onto plates or bowls. Make sure to drizzle some extra sauce from the pan on top for added flavor. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the top for a pop of color and freshness. It pairs well with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
How to Store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
If you have leftovers, Honey BBQ Chicken Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Feel free to customize the spices based on your taste or dietary needs.
- If you want more vegetables, you can add bell peppers, peas, or carrots.
- For a little heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the seasoning mix.
- If you don’t have chicken thighs, chicken breasts can be used as a substitute.
Variation
You can easily adapt this recipe by using different proteins such as shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. You may also swap the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative. Feel free to use a different sauce if you wish, much like I did with this Caramelised Soy Chicken.
FAQs
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, but you will need to increase the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: No, this recipe is not spicy. If you like it hot, feel free to add some chili powder or hot sauce to your taste.
Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! You can sear the chicken first, then add all the ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for tender and flavorful chicken.
Conclusion
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a simple, delicious dish that anyone can make. With its sweet and tangy flavors, it’s a comforting meal that you and your family will love. Make it for dinner tonight and enjoy the easy steps to a flavorful dish!
For more easy and satisfying recipes, join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
