why make this recipe
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious and easy meal that brings together tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a sweet tangy sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a family gathering. The combination of honey and BBQ sauce creates a unique taste that kids and adults will love. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, making cleanup a breeze!
how to make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
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:
- Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes. Add chicken broth and half the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pan, pour remaining sauce over the top.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
- Add mixed vegetables, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
how to serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice hot, garnished with chopped green onions. It pairs well with steamed vegetables or a side salad. This dish is also great on its own, as the flavors are rich and satisfying.
how to store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely before storing. Place the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
tips to make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the BBQ sauce and honey for a few hours before cooking.
- If you don’t have chicken thighs, you can use chicken breasts instead.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or peas, to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious.
variation
You can easily customize this recipe. Try adding different sauces, like teriyaki or sweet and sour, or adjust the sweetness by using more or less honey. For a spicy kick, add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the BBQ mixture.
FAQs
Can I use rice other than long-grain?
Yes, you can use other types of rice like basmati or jasmine. Just adjust the cooking time according to the rice you choose.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just reheat before serving.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
You can use brown rice instead of white rice, and you can skip the sauce or use a lower-sugar BBQ sauce for a healthier option.
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs Can substitute with chicken breasts.
- 1 cup long-grain rice Can use basmati or jasmine rice.
- 2 cups chicken broth Can use homemade or store-bought.
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce Choose a preferred flavor.
- 1/4 cup honey Adjust for sweetness to personal preference.
- 1 tsp garlic powder Used for seasoning.
- 1 tsp onion powder Used for seasoning.
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste For seasoning.
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional) Feel free to customize with your favorites.
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
Cooking
- In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes. Add chicken broth and half the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pan, pour remaining sauce over the top.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
- Add mixed vegetables, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.