Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

There’s something undeniably comforting about a one-pan meal that’s brimming with flavor and heart. Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, transforming simple ingredients into a delightful dish that the whole family will rave about. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress friends, this recipe hits the mark. I’ve made it countless times, and each time it draws smiles around the table and requests for seconds.

What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets Honey BBQ Chicken Rice apart is its incredible ease and sheer deliciousness. You get tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a sticky-sweet BBQ sauce, paired perfectly with rich and flavorful rice. Not only is it a budget-friendly meal, but it’s also quick to throw together—perfect for those busy evenings when you want to put something tasty on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

"This has become a favorite in our household! The flavors are amazing, and the kids love it!" – A satisfied home cook

Preparing Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

This recipe is simple enough for a novice cook yet packed with flavor that seasoned chefs would appreciate. You’ll start by seasoning and searing the chicken, toasting the rice, and then letting everything simmer together in one pan. It’s straightforward and minimizes cleanup, making it an efficient choice for practical home cooks.

What you’ll need

• 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

Feel free to swap in brown rice for a healthier option, or use vegetable broth to create a vegetarian version with your favorite plant-based protein!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to flavor them beautifully.
2. Sear the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, honey, and soy sauce for a balanced sweet-salty sauce.
4. Toast Rice: In the same skillet, toast the uncooked rice for about 1–2 minutes. This step enhances the nutty flavor of the rice.
5. Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and half of the BBQ sauce mixture. Stir it well to combine.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet and pour the remaining sauce over the top.
7. Simmer: Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
8. Add Vegetables: If you’re adding mixed vegetables, throw them in, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
9. Rest: Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.
10. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions, plate, and serve hot.

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Tips for Serving

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is incredibly versatile! You can serve it on its own as a satisfying meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a fresh green salad. For added texture and color, consider a side of steamed broccoli or grilled asparagus. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a drizzle of extra honey right before serving can elevate the dish even further!

Best Way to Store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

To keep your leftovers fresh, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its life, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, ensuring safety with proper warming.

Pro Chef Tips

• Searing Chicken: Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing your chicken; it might steam instead of sear, preventing that delicious golden crust.
• Rice Texture: If you prefer slightly firmer rice, reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the honey based on your preference for sweetness. You can substitute it for maple syrup or brown sugar for a different flavor profile.

Creative Twists

Feel free to customize your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice in a myriad of ways! Add some spice with a dash of cayenne pepper or swap out the BBQ sauce for teriyaki for an Asian-inspired twist. For a southwestern flair, top the finished dish with avocado, fresh cilantro, and lime juice—each variation brings a delightful new taste to this already scrumptious meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the prep time for Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?

The prep time is minimal—about 10-15 minutes—making it perfect for busy weeknights!

Can I use other types of chicken?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or even chicken tenders can be substituted if that’s what you have on hand.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free and use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

This easy and delicious Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is sure to become a family favorite, offering great flavors without the fuss!

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available

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Description

A comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a sticky-sweet BBQ sauce, served over flavorful rice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. Season the chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Sear the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Mix BBQ sauce, honey, and soy sauce in a bowl.
4. Toast the uncooked rice in the same skillet for about 1–2 minutes.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and half of the BBQ sauce mixture, stirring to combine.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, pouring the remaining sauce over the top.
7. Cover and let simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
8. If using mixed vegetables, add them in, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving, garnished with chopped green onions.

Notes

Can substitute brown rice for a healthier option or use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: honey BBQ chicken, one-pan meal, easy dinner, family-friendly, comfort food