Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
Introduction
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a comforting one-pan meal that combines tender seasoned chicken with flavorful rice cooked in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers a satisfying balance of savory and sweet with minimal effort.
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
- Step 1: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat.
- Step 2: Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- 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.
- Step 4: In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey.
- Step 6: Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture.
- Step 7: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Step 8: After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice.
- Step 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).
- Step 10: Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice.
- Step 11: Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot!
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken breasts for a leaner option or thighs for juicier results.
- You can substitute mixed vegetables with fresh corn, peas, or diced bell peppers.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce.
- If you prefer, use brown rice but increase cooking time and liquid accordingly.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to sear raw chicken for flavor and texture, but you can add pre-cooked chicken during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through. Just be careful not to overcook the rice.
What if I don’t have BBQ sauce on hand?
You can make a simple substitute by mixing ketchup, a little honey, a splash of vinegar, and some smoked paprika or liquid smoke for similar flavor notes.
Print
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe combines tender, flavorful chicken with a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, perfectly cooked rice, and mixed vegetables. It’s an easy, one-pan stovetop meal that balances savory spices with a touch of sweetness, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 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
- Drizzle of oil for searing
Rice & Sauce
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- ¼ cup honey
Vegetables & Garnish
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Pan: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken and rice mixture.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the boneless chicken thighs or breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for a well-rounded flavor base.
- Sear the Chicken: Add a drizzle of oil to the heated pan. Place the chicken in the pan and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown, locking in juices. Remove the chicken and set it aside temporarily.
- Toast the Rice: In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to create a slightly nutty flavor and prevent sticking.
- Add Liquids and Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth into the pan with toasted rice, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey until evenly combined to infuse the rice with rich, sweet, and tangy flavors.
- Return Chicken to the Pan: Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the rice mixture, distributing them evenly so they cook alongside the rice and absorb the sauce.
- Simmer: Bring the entire mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to cook and the chicken to cook through.
- Add Vegetables: After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice layer.
- Continue Cooking: Cover again and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender, vegetables are heated through, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Fluff: Remove the pan from the heat and let the dish rest covered for 5 minutes. This step lets the flavors meld and the rice finish steaming.
- Garnish and Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot as a complete and comforting meal.
Notes
- You can use either chicken thighs or breasts depending on your preference; thighs will yield a juicier dish.
- If using frozen mixed vegetables, no need to thaw before adding to the pan.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mix.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking that the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a skillet or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, Chicken Rice, One-Pan Meal, Easy Dinner, Sweet and Smoky Chicken, Family Dinner Idea
