why make this recipe

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family. The combination of honey and BBQ sauce not only adds flavor but also creates a delicious glaze that keeps the chicken juicy. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal that saves on cleanup time!

how to make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

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

Directions:

Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat.
Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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.
In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey.
Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice.
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).
Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice.
Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot!

how to serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice hot, right from the skillet or pan. You can dish it out onto plates or serve directly from the pan for a family-style meal. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.

how to store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

If you have leftovers, let the dish cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it until hot or heat in a skillet on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

tips to make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate in BBQ sauce and honey for a couple of hours before cooking.
Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies, such as bell peppers, peas, or corn, to enhance the dish.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey depending on your taste preference.

variation

You can easily customize this recipe by using different proteins, such as shrimp or tofu, instead of chicken. For a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice may need more liquid and a longer cooking time. Adjust the chicken broth accordingly.

2. What kind of BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?
You can use any BBQ sauce you like! A sweet sauce blends nicely with the honey, while a tangy sauce adds a zesty flavor.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and reheat it for a quick meal later. Just follow the storage instructions mentioned above.