Savory BBQ Chicken Rice
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/savory-bbq-chicken-rice/
