Why Make This Recipe
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a fantastic dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a sweet and tangy sauce, making it a great choice for family dinners and gatherings. The mix of BBQ sauce with honey adds a delightful twist and makes this dish appealing to both kids and adults. It’s also a one-pan recipe, which means fewer dishes to wash afterward, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite vegetables, ensuring everyone gets a tasty and nutritious meal.
How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Making Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is straightforward and quick. Here’s how you can do it step by step.
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
Directions
Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the boneless, skinless chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices for extra flavor.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step locks in the juices and adds flavor. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, honey, and minced garlic. This combination creates a sweet and savory sauce that will coat the chicken beautifully.
Toast the Rice: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the uncooked long-grain rice. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. This toasting enhances the flavor of the rice and adds a nice texture.
Add Chicken Broth and Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and half of the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the toasted rice. Stir everything together to combine.
Return the Chicken: Place the seared chicken back into the skillet on top of the rice mixture. Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken and rice.
Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb the broth.
Add Vegetables: After 15 minutes, if you are using mixed vegetables, add them to the skillet. Cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is completely cooked through.
Rest: After cooking, let the dish sit for about 5 minutes without lifting the lid. This resting period helps to set the flavors and makes serving easier.
Garnish and Serve: Finally, garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch before serving. Enjoy this delicious Honey BBQ Chicken Rice hot!
How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Serving Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is simple. You can serve it directly from the skillet for a rustic feel, or you can plate it up individually. Here are some ideas:
- Family Style: Place the skillet in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves.
- Plated: Serve individual portions on plates. Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions for color and extra flavor.
- Accompaniments: Consider serving with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
How to Store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Storing Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is easy:
Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Place the cooled rice and chicken in a freezer-safe container. It should last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then gently warm on the stove with a bit of added chicken broth to keep it moist.
Tips to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Chicken Options: If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. However, thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
Rice Type: Long-grain rice works best, but you can experiment with jasmine or basmati for a different flavor profile.
Sauce Variation: Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors—spicy, sweet, or smoky. You can also mix in some hot sauce for an extra kick!
Vegetable Boost: Add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, peas, or carrots. They not only add color but also enhance the nutritional value of the dish.
Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch and divide it into portions for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Variation
While the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe is delicious as it is, you can make some variations:
Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a spoonful of your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
Fried Rice Style: After cooking, let the rice cool down, then stir-fry it in a pan with a little oil, adding scrambled eggs and any leftover vegetables you have for a fried rice variation.
Using Quinoa: For a healthier alternative, consider switching out the rice for quinoa. Quinoa cooks faster and is packed with protein, making this dish even more nutritious.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes! You can use other meats like pork or beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats have different cooking requirements.
2. Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! Honey BBQ Chicken Rice can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat before serving!
3. What if I don’t have BBQ sauce?
You can create a simple marinade using soy sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar if you don’t have BBQ sauce. It won’t be a BBQ flavor, but it will still taste great!
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is not just a meal; it’s a delicious way to bring family and friends together. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your cooking and happy eating!
Print
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Poultry
Description
A fantastic dish combining tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
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
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the chicken in a large skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, and minced garlic.
- Toast the rice in the same skillet for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add chicken broth and half of the sauce mixture into the skillet with the rice; stir to combine.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, pouring the remaining sauce over the top.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes.
- Add mixed vegetables if using, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Let sit for 5 minutes after cooking to set flavors.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Notes
You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs, and experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chicken, rice, BBQ, family dinner, one-pan meal