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Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

5.1 from 7 reviews

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful, one-pot meal featuring tender chicken thighs glazed in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce served over fluffy long-grain rice. Enhanced with savory spices and optional mixed vegetables, it’s a comforting dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 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

Rice and Vegetables

  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional)

Garnish

  • Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
  2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Make the Honey BBQ Sauce: In the same pan, combine the BBQ sauce and honey, stirring to mix well and briefly warming the sauce over low heat.
  4. Cook the Rice: Add the long-grain rice to the pan and stir to coat it with the sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  5. Add Vegetables: Stir in the mixed vegetables if using, distributing them evenly in the rice mixture.
  6. Simmer: Return the cooked chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them on top of the rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
  7. Rest and Garnish: Remove the pan from heat and let it rest covered for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs provide more flavor and moisture.
  • For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content in the dish.
  • This recipe works well in a rice cooker or Instant Pot, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.

Nutrition

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