Savory BBQ Chicken Rice

Introduction

This Chicken Rice recipe brings together tender, flavorful chicken thighs with perfectly cooked rice infused with a tangy BBQ-honey sauce. It’s a comforting, one-pan meal that’s simple to prepare and delicious any day of the week.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper evenly on all sides.
2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken thighs for 3–4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic, mixing well to form the sauce.
4. Step 4: Using the same skillet, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes while stirring constantly to prevent burning.
5. Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and half of the prepared sauce, stirring to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
6. Step 6: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, arranging them on top of the rice, then pour the remaining sauce evenly over the chicken.
7. Step 7: Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and the chicken to cook through.
8. Step 8: Add mixed vegetables if using, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the rice is fully cooked.
9. Step 9: Remove from heat and let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes to finish steaming.
10. Step 10: Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
• Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Use frozen mixed vegetables to save prep time—just add them straight from frozen during cooking.
• If you don’t have BBQ sauce, substitute with your favorite tomato-based sauce with a touch of smokiness.

Storage

Store leftover chicken rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with 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 white or brown rice?

Long-grain white rice is preferred for this recipe because it cooks quickly and stays fluffy. If using brown rice, increase the simmering time and liquid amount, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

Is it okay to use frozen chicken thighs?

Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken thighs completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.

Savory BBQ Chicken Rice

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 109 reviews

A flavorful one-pan chicken and rice dish combining tender seared chicken thighs with savory BBQ sauce and honey glaze, simmered together with long-grain rice and optional mixed vegetables for a complete and comforting meal.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Rice and Sauce

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Vegetables and Garnish

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional)
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season evenly on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to build a flavorful base.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil if needed. Sear the chicken thighs for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown, then remove from the pan and set aside to retain juices and develop a nice crust.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic to create a sweet and savory glaze that will cook into the rice and chicken.
4. Toast the Rice: Using the same skillet with residual flavors, add the uncooked rice and toast for 1–2 minutes over medium heat to enhance the nutty flavor.
5. Add Liquid and Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and half of the prepared sauce into the skillet with toasted rice. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
6. Simmer Chicken and Rice: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them on top of the rice. Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken. Cover the pan tightly and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes to allow the rice to cook and flavors to meld.
7. Add Vegetables: After 15 minutes, add the mixed vegetables on top of the chicken and rice. Cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the rice is tender, the vegetables are heated through, and the chicken is fully cooked.
8. Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes with the lid on. This helps the rice finish steaming. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot for a fresh burst of flavor.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred, but cooking time may vary slightly.
• Mixed vegetables such as peas, carrots, and corn work well, but feel free to use your favorites or omit them entirely.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when seasoning the chicken.
• This dish can be prepared in advance; simply reheat covered to retain moisture.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce overall salt content if desired.

Keywords: Chicken rice, BBQ chicken, one pan meal, easy dinner, comfort food, skillet chicken rice, honey BBQ chicken