Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and sweet honey with fluffy rice and vegetables. It’s an easy, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 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)
• Oil for searing

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little oil to coat the pan.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Sear the chicken in the skillet for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown; then remove and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Step 5: Add chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey to the rice; stir to combine.
6. Step 6: Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the liquid, and bring to a gentle boil.
7. Step 7: Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
8. Step 8: Scatter the mixed vegetables on top of the rice and chicken; cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
9. Step 9: Remove from heat and let the dish rest covered for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken breasts for a leaner option or thighs for juicier meat.
• Add a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Try different vegetables like bell peppers or corn for variety.
• For a smoky twist, substitute smoked paprika with chipotle powder.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 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 brown rice instead of long-grain rice?

Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust cooking time to about 40-45 minutes and increase broth accordingly.

Is it okay to use frozen mixed vegetables?

Absolutely! Frozen vegetables work well and can be added directly without thawing. Just be sure to adjust cooking time slightly if needed.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 64 reviews

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe combines tender, seared chicken with flavorful BBQ sauce and honey, cooked together with rice and mixed vegetables in one pan for a quick, delicious American main dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, the dish delivers a harmonious blend of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors with a comforting texture.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil (for searing)

Rice and Sauce

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• ¼ cup honey

Vegetables

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)

Instructions

1. Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add cooking oil to prepare for searing the chicken.
2. Season the chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken thighs or breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for robust flavor.
3. Sear the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Toast the rice: In the same pan with remaining oil and flavors, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and enhance the nutty flavor.
5. Add liquids and sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey into the pan. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all ingredients well.
6. Simmer with chicken: Return the seared chicken to the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to cook and chicken to absorb the flavors.
7. Add vegetables and finish cooking: Place the mixed vegetables on top of the rice and chicken. Cover again and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
8. Rest and fluff: Remove the pan from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving to combine all ingredients and enhance texture.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for a juicier result or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
• Adjust the amount of honey and BBQ sauce to taste for more or less sweetness and smokiness.
• Frozen mixed vegetables work well and save time, but fresh veggies can add more crunch and brightness.
• Ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
• This dish can be easily doubled to serve more people, just use a larger skillet or pan.

Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, one pan chicken recipe, easy chicken and rice, BBQ chicken, quick dinner, stovetop meal