Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

When it comes to weeknight dinners, Honey BBQ Chicken Rice stands out as a true crowd-pleaser. This comforting dish is a delightful mix of savory and sweet flavors that come together effortlessly. Imagine biting into tender chicken nestled atop fluffy rice, all enveloped in a sticky, savory honey BBQ glaze. It’s one of those recipes that will quickly become a family favorite, perfect for busy evenings when you crave something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a lot to love about Honey BBQ Chicken Rice! First off, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time while delivering maximum flavor. This dish is also a budget-friendly option since it uses simple, affordable ingredients. Plus, it’s versatile; you can easily adjust the level of sweetness or smokiness in the BBQ sauce to fit your family’s tastes.

"Absolutely delicious! My kids devoured this meal in no time. I’d say it’s the new weekly dinner staple!"

As a bonus, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade food throughout the week with minimal fuss. Whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck, or a laid-back weekend meal, Honey BBQ Chicken Rice deserves a place on your table.

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Ready to whip up something scrumptious? The process is straightforward and rewarding. It begins with seasoning your chicken, then searing it to develop a lovely golden crust. After that, you’ll toast the rice to enhance its flavor before adding the delicious honey BBQ blend. Within a short period, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to serve.

What You’ll Need

To create this mouthwatering dish, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your preference)
• 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 for garnish

Feel free to switch out the chicken with a different protein or use brown rice for a healthier option.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Toast the Rice: In the same pan, add the uncooked rice. Toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent any burning.
4. Combine Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey.
5. Simmer: Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Add Vegetables: After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice, cover, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the rice is tender and chicken feels fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
7. Rest and Serve: Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot!
   

Tips for Serving

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is best enjoyed warm but can be easily dressed up for serving! Consider pairing it with a side of fresh salad for a refreshing balance or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce on top for a bold flavor boost.

Best Way to Store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Leftovers? Yes, please! To keep your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Always make sure to cool it down first before sealing it up. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove, ensuring that the chicken warms thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Expert Advice

To elevate the flavors even more, consider marinating the chicken in the BBQ sauce and honey for a few hours or overnight before cooking. Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar can brighten the dish beautifully, cutting through the richness. If you’re in a hurry, you can use pre-cooked chicken for a quicker meal, plus, it’s great if you’re short on time.

Creative Twists

The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability! Feel free to try different flavor variations by swapping the BBQ sauce with teriyaki or hoisin sauce for a unique twist. Want a bit of heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños. You can also mix in different vegetables or even top with shredded cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

Your Questions Answered

What’s the prep time for Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?
The prep time is about 15 minutes, and the cooking time is around 25 minutes, making it a quick meal solution.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice may require a little more liquid and a longer cooking time.

How do I ensure my chicken is fully cooked?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this recipe in advance?
Sure! You can prep the chicken and rice ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delightful recipe that combines ease and taste in a remarkably satisfying way. This dish will keep your family asking for more, making it a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation!

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

---

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A comforting dish of tender chicken on fluffy rice, enveloped in a sticky honey BBQ glaze, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your preference)
• 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 for garnish

---

Instructions

1. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. In a large skillet or deep pan, heat a drizzle of oil and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Add the uncooked rice to the same pan and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the BBQ sauce and honey.
5. Return the seared chicken to the pan and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
6. After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice, cover, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
7. Remove from heat, let sit for 5 minutes, fluff the rice, garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot!

Notes

For added flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce and honey beforehand. This dish is great for meal prep; store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: chicken, rice, honey BBQ, quick dinner, weeknight meals