Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a comforting one-pot meal that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. With tender chicken thighs glazed in a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, combined with fluffy rice and vibrant vegetables, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

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 for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet or pan over medium heat and lightly oil the surface.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken to the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same pan, add the rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat it in the pan flavors.
4. Step 4: Combine the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey in a bowl. Pour this mixture over the toasted rice in the pan.
5. Step 5: Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture. Add the mixed vegetables evenly over the top.
6. Step 6: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
7. Step 7: Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke or use smoked BBQ sauce.
• Swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but watch cooking time to avoid drying out.
• Try adding bell peppers or corn with the mixed vegetables for more color and sweetness.
• If you like it spicy, stir in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce with the BBQ sauce mixture.

Storage

Store any leftovers 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 chicken broth 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 more liquid and a longer cooking time—about 40-45 minutes. Adjust the broth quantity and simmer time accordingly.

What if I don’t have BBQ sauce on hand?

You can substitute with a mixture of ketchup, a bit of vinegar, honey, and smoked paprika to mimic BBQ sauce flavors, or use any other favorite sauce for a different twist.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 97 reviews

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken thighs cooked in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, combined with fluffy rice and mixed vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish blends savory spices and a touch of honey to create a delicious glaze that complements the chicken and rice perfectly.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Rice and Vegetables:

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 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

Garnish:

• Chopped green onions or parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper evenly.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet or large pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce and honey until well combined.
4. Add Rice and Broth: To the same skillet, add the long-grain rice and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes, then pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits for flavor.
5. Return Chicken and Add Vegetables: Place the seared chicken back into the skillet on top of the rice. Scatter the mixed vegetables evenly over the rice and chicken.
6. Pour the Sauce: Drizzle the honey BBQ mix evenly over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring everything is coated to infuse flavor while cooking.
7. Simmer and Cook Through: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender, the vegetables are cooked, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Rest and Garnish: Remove from heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
• If you don’t have chicken broth, water with a bouillon cube works as a substitute.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want a spicy twist to this dish.
• Feel free to swap mixed vegetables based on preference or seasonality — bell peppers, corn, or peas work great.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in a microwave or on stovetop.

Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, One-Pot Meal, Chicken and Rice, Easy Dinner, BBQ Sauce, Quick Recipe