why make this recipe
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious and easy meal that combines sweet and savory flavors. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want to enjoy a comforting dish. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables makes for a well-rounded dinner. Plus, it’s all cooked in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!
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 and enjoy it straight from the pan. You can also serve it on plates, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh touch. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
how to store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
To store leftovers, let the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to label the container with the date.
tips to make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Use any BBQ sauce you like; choose a sweet or smoky flavor to complement the honey.
- Don’t skip the seasoning on the chicken; it really enhances the flavor of the dish.
- For extra veggies, add bell peppers or broccoli along with the mixed vegetables.
variation
Feel free to swap the chicken for tofu or shrimp if you want a different protein. You can also use brown rice instead of long-grain rice, but adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but be aware that it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid.
2. Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat when you’re ready to eat.
3. What can I serve with Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?
This dish is great on its own, but you can also pair it with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables.
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice) Choose a sweet or smoky flavor.
- 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) For extra veggies, consider adding bell peppers or broccoli.
- Chopped green onions or parsley For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- 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.
Cooking
- 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!