BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

This BBQ Chicken Rice recipe is a flavorful, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken simmers in a savory BBQ and honey sauce with rice and vegetables, creating a deliciously comforting dish everyone will enjoy.

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, for garnish

Instructions

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

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option.
• Try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice for extra tang.
• Substitute mixed vegetables with bell peppers, corn, or peas based on preference or seasonal availability.
• For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika or a chipotle BBQ sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of long-grain white rice?

Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the broth amount and simmer time accordingly, typically about 40-45 minutes.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken first?

Searing the chicken adds flavor and texture by caramelizing the surface, but if short on time, you can skip this step. Just be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly in the simmering step.

BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 650 reviews

• Author: Victor
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This BBQ Chicken Rice recipe is a flavorful one-pot meal combining tender, seasoned chicken thighs or breasts with smoky BBQ sauce-infused rice and mixed vegetables. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish makes a comforting, family-friendly dinner that’s perfect for weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Rice and Sauce

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)

Garnish

• Chopped green onions or parsley
• Drizzle of oil (for searing)

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Instructions

1. Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat to warm up before cooking.
2. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to build flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken: Add a small drizzle of oil to the hot pan. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Toast the Rice: In the same pan, add the uncooked long-grain rice. Stir frequently and toast for 1-2 minutes to bring out a nutty aroma.
5. Add Liquids and Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey to create a flavorful cooking liquid.
6. Return Chicken to Pan: Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the rice mixture ensuring even distribution.
7. Simmer the Rice and Chicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pan and let everything simmer gently for 15 minutes.
8. Add Vegetables: Sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice. Cover again.
9. Cook Until Tender: Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes or until the rice is tender, the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the vegetables are warmed through.
10. Rest and Fluff: Remove the pan from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Then fluff the rice gently with a fork.
11. Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh finish and serve hot.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for juicier results; breasts work for a leaner option.
• Adjust BBQ sauce sweetness or spice level to your preference.
• Frozen mixed vegetables can be used directly—no need to thaw.
• If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or chili powder can be substituted.
• Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for food safety.
• Letting the dish rest before serving allows flavors to meld and rice to set perfectly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: BBQ chicken, chicken rice recipe, one-pot meal, skillet chicken, easy dinner, smoky BBQ, dinner with vegetables