Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious one-pan meal that combines tender, flavorful chicken thighs with perfectly cooked rice and a hint of sweet and smoky BBQ sauce. Easy to prepare and packed with comforting flavors, it’s a great weeknight dinner option.

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 it aside.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic to make the sauce mixture.
4. Step 4: Using the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
5. Step 5: Add the chicken broth and half of the sauce mixture to the pan, stirring to combine with the rice.
6. Step 6: Return the chicken thighs to the pan and pour the remaining sauce over the top.
7. Step 7: Cover the pan and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.
8. Step 8: Stir in the mixed vegetables if using, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
9. Step 9: Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For more depth, use smoked BBQ sauce or add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the sauce mixture.
• Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner cut, adjusting cooking times as needed.
• Add chopped bell peppers or corn along with mixed vegetables for extra color and sweetness.
• Use jasmine or basmati rice for a different texture and aroma.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the rice seems dry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can use jasmine or basmati rice instead of long-grain rice. Just be sure to adjust the liquid and cooking time according to the rice type’s instructions.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken before simmering?

Searing adds flavor and color to the chicken, but you can skip this step if you are short on time. The chicken will still cook through while simmering with the rice and sauce.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 109 reviews

A flavorful and comforting Honey BBQ Chicken Rice dish featuring tender seared chicken thighs simmered with smoky spices, sweet honey BBQ sauce, and mixed vegetables, all cooked together with fluffy rice for an easy one-pan meal.

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

Ingredients

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Chicken and Seasoning

• 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 Sauce

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Additional Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Season Chicken: In a bowl, season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to ensure all pieces are well coated with the spices.
2. Sear Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the seasoned chicken thighs. Sear the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust, then remove from the skillet and set aside to retain juices.
3. Prepare Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic, mixing thoroughly to create a sweet and savory glaze that will enhance the flavor of the dish.
4. Toast Rice: Using the same skillet, add the uncooked long-grain rice and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes to bring out a nutty aroma, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
5. Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and half of the prepared sauce into the skillet with the rice. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
6. Return Chicken and Add Sauce: Place the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet atop the rice mixture. Pour the remaining BBQ honey sauce evenly over the chicken to coat them as they cook.
7. Cook Covered: Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer the mixture over low heat for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and the chicken to cook through gently.
8. Add Vegetables: After 15 minutes, add the mixed vegetables (if using) to the skillet, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
9. Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes to set flavors. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot to add freshness and a mild oniony crunch.

Notes

• Use skinless chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful meat compared to chicken breasts.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix.
• You can substitute vegetables with frozen peas, corn, or carrots based on preference or availability.
• Ensure the rice is toasted lightly to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated with a splash of water to maintain moisture.

Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, Chicken Rice, One-Pan Meal, BBQ Chicken Recipe, Easy Chicken Dinner, Skillet Chicken Rice