Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Why Make This Recipe

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delightful meal that packs a punch of flavor. The sweet and tangy BBQ sauce mixed with honey creates a rich glaze that coats the chicken perfectly. This dish is not only tasty but also easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With the added goodness of rice and vegetables, it’s a complete meal on one plate!

How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
• Chopped green onions or parsley

Directions:

1. Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add a drizzle of oil to the pan and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey.
6. Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture.
7. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
8. After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice.
9. Cover again and continue cooking for 5 more minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
10. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice.
11. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot!

How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Serve the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice hot on a plate, making sure to include plenty of the saucy rice and vegetables. You can also offer extra chopped green onions or parsley on the side for added freshness. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed green veggies for a balanced meal.

How to Store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

To store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to reheat thoroughly before enjoying it again.

Tips to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

• For added flavor, try marinating the chicken in BBQ sauce and honey for a few hours before cooking.
• You can use brown rice instead of long-grain rice for a healthier option, just adjust the cooking time as needed.
• If you like a bit more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.

Variation

Feel free to customize this recipe by using different vegetables based on your preference, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or peas. You can also change the type of BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use skin-on chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as it may take longer to cook through.

2. What should I do if my rice is undercooked?
If your rice is undercooked, add a little more chicken broth or water and cover the pan for a few more minutes until the rice absorbs the liquid and becomes tender.

3. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can. Sear the chicken first, then add it to a slow cooker with the rice, broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add vegetables in the last hour.

Print