Sweet and Savory Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful, one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken cooked in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce pairs beautifully with fluffy rice and mixed vegetables, making it both comforting and satisfying.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken thighs or breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, lightly oil and cook the chicken until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same pan, add the rice and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes while stirring to coat it with any leftover chicken juices.
4. Step 4: Mix together the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey in a bowl, then pour into the pan over the rice.
5. Step 5: Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low.
6. Step 6: Cook covered for 15 minutes, then add the mixed vegetables on top. Cover again and cook for another 5-10 minutes until the rice is tender, the chicken is cooked through, and the vegetables are heated.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat, let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice gently with a fork. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken breasts for a leaner dish or thighs for juicier results.
• Swap mixed vegetables for fresh corn, bell peppers, or peas based on your preference.
• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
• If you don’t have chicken broth, water with a bouillon cube works as a substitute.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or 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 white rice?

Yes, but keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook—about 40-45 minutes. Adjust cooking time accordingly and add more liquid if needed.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Most BBQ sauces contain gluten, so check the label or use a gluten-free BBQ sauce to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Sweet and Savory Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 314 reviews

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious and comforting one-pot meal featuring tender boneless chicken simmered in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, served over fluffy long-grain rice with mixed vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe combines savory spices and smoky flavors with the natural sweetness of honey for a balanced and crowd-pleasing dish.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Rice and Vegetables

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

Sauce

• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
• ¼ cup honey

Garnish

• Chopped green onions or parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Ensure the chicken is well coated with the spices for maximum flavor.
2. Sear the chicken: In a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat, add a small amount of oil and sear the seasoned chicken pieces until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step locks in the juices and adds a smoky flavor.
3. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey until smooth and combined. This sweet and tangy sauce will coat the chicken and infuse the dish with flavor.
4. Add rice and broth: Remove the chicken temporarily from the pan. Add the uncooked long-grain rice to the pan and pour in the chicken broth. Stir to combine and spread the rice evenly.
5. Simmer the chicken and rice: Place the seared chicken back on top of the rice mixture. Pour the honey BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken and rice. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer gently for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Add vegetables: About 5 minutes before the cooking time is complete, lift the lid slightly and sprinkle the mixed vegetables evenly over the dish. Re-cover and continue simmering until the vegetables are tender and heated through.
7. Finish and garnish: Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork, mixing the vegetables throughout. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh and colorful touch.
8. Serve: Plate the honey BBQ chicken rice warm for a satisfying and flavorful meal that balances sweet, smoky, and savory notes in every bite.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts depending on your preference; thighs are juicier while breasts are leaner.
• Adjust the amount of honey based on your desired sweetness level in the BBQ sauce.
• Use fresh or frozen mixed vegetables such as peas, carrots, and corn for added nutrition and color.
• If you don’t have chicken broth, water with a bit of chicken bouillon can be used as a substitute.
• For a spicier variation, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.

Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, Chicken Rice Recipe, One-Pot Meal, Easy Dinner, BBQ Chicken with Rice