Description

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delightful one-pan meal featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs cooked in a flavorful blend of BBQ sauce and honey, combined with perfectly cooked long-grain rice and mixed vegetables. This recipe is easy to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

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
Drizzle of cooking oil

Rice and Sauce

1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
¼ cup honey

Vegetables and Garnish

1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the skillet: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat to get it ready for cooking the chicken.
Season the chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken thighs or breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to build a flavorful crust.
Sear the chicken: Add a drizzle of oil to the heated pan, then sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Toast the rice: Using the same pan, add the uncooked long-grain rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently to enhance the rice’s flavor.
Add liquids and sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey to create a sweet and smoky mixture.
Combine chicken and rice: Return the seared chicken pieces to the pan, nestling them into the rice mixture so they absorb the flavors as they cook.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 15 minutes to cook the rice and chicken through.
Add vegetables: After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables evenly over the rice.
Finish cooking: Cover the pan again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Rest and fluff: Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice gently to combine all ingredients.
Garnish and serve: Top the dish with chopped green onions or parsley and serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option.
Adjust BBQ sauce type and quantity according to your sweetness and spice preference.
Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
You can substitute mixed vegetables with your favorite seasonal vegetables.
To make this dish gluten-free, verify that your BBQ sauce is gluten-free.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing and Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 14 g
Sodium: 680 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 55 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, one-pan chicken rice, easy chicken recipe, BBQ chicken dinner, honey BBQ chicken, chicken with rice and vegetables