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Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 26 reviews

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful one-pan meal combining tender, juicy chicken thighs with sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, perfectly cooked long-grain rice, and optional mixed vegetables. It’s easy to prepare and makes for a comforting, satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Rice and Liquids

  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey

Additional Ingredients

  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional)
  • Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring the spices coat the chicken evenly for a flavorful base.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the chicken. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic, mixing thoroughly to blend the sweet and savory elements of the sauce.
  4. Toast the Rice: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the uncooked long-grain rice and toast it for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This step enhances the rice’s flavor.
  5. Add Broth and Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and half of the prepared honey BBQ sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients and create a flavorful cooking liquid for the rice.
  6. Return Chicken and Add Remaining Sauce: Place the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet on top of the rice. Drizzle the remaining honey BBQ sauce over the chicken to ensure maximum flavor absorption while cooking.
  7. Simmer Covered: Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the dish simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to cook through and the chicken to finish cooking.
  8. Add Vegetables: Stir in the optional mixed vegetables, cover again, and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes or until the rice is tender, the vegetables are cooked, and the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature.
  9. Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the rice to finish steaming. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred, though thighs provide more moisture.
  • Use your favorite BBQ sauce for varied flavor profiles—spicy, smoky, or sweet.
  • Adding mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers boosts nutrition and color.
  • If you don’t have soy sauce, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as alternatives.
  • Make sure to use a lid that fits your skillet to keep the steam trapped for proper cooking.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before eating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, One-Pan Meal, Chicken Rice Recipe, Easy Dinner, BBQ Sauce Chicken, Weeknight Meal

Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/honey-bbq-chicken-rice-recipe-2/