Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

why make this recipe

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is easy and fast. It uses simple ingredients and one pan. Kids and adults like the sweet and smoky sauce. You get rice, chicken, and veggies in one pot. Try it on a busy weeknight.

introduction

This dish mixes tender chicken with sticky honey BBQ sauce and fluffy rice. You do not need fancy skills. The meal cooks mostly in one pan, so cleanup is quick. For more ideas, see this recipe.

how to make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Follow the steps below for a tasty meal.

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

Directions :

1. Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
4. In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes. Add chicken broth and half the sauce. Stir to combine.
5. Return the chicken to the pan, pour remaining sauce over the top.
6. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
7. Add mixed vegetables, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
8. Let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

how to serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Cut the chicken into pieces and mix with the rice. Serve hot in bowls. Add extra green onions or a squeeze of lime if you like. This goes well with a side salad or steamed broccoli.

how to store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Cool the dish to room temperature for no more than two hours. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a pan with a splash of water or in the microwave until hot.

tips to make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

• Use a tight lid to keep steam in while the rice cooks.
• Stir the rice once before adding broth to toast it slightly for more flavor.
• Check the chicken for doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F / 74°C).
• If your BBQ sauce is thick, warm it a little so it mixes well with honey.
• Add vegetables in the last 5 minutes so they stay bright and not mushy.

variation (if any)

• Use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Cook slightly less time to avoid drying out.
• Swap long-grain rice for brown rice, but add more broth and more cooking time.
• Make it spicier by adding a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the BBQ mix.
• Use frozen mixed vegetables or fresh peas and carrots.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes. Use the same steps but watch the cooking time so the breast does not dry out.

Q: Do I need to rinse the rice?
A: You can rinse it to remove extra starch. Rinsing makes the rice less sticky.

Q: Can I skip the vegetables?
A: Yes. The dish still tastes good without them. Vegetables add color and nutrition.

Q: How do I make the sauce less sweet?
A: Reduce the honey or use a tangier BBQ sauce.

Q: Can I make this in the oven?
A: Yes. Brown the chicken first, then bake covered at 350°F (175°C) with the rice and liquids until done.

Conclusion

For another simple bowl-style version, check out this Honey BBQ Chicken Bowls · Easy Family Recipes: Honey BBQ Chicken Bowls · Easy Family Recipes.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

An easy and delicious one-pan meal combining tender chicken, sticky honey BBQ sauce, and fluffy rice, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main 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) Add in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Method

 

Preparation

1. Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
4. In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes. Add chicken broth and half the sauce. Stir to combine.
5. Return the chicken to the pan and pour the remaining sauce over the top.

Cooking

1. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
2. Add mixed vegetables, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
3. Let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

Notes

Use a tight lid to keep steam in while the rice cooks. Stirring the rice once before adding broth to toast it slightly adds more flavor.