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Honey BBQ Chicken Rice 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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