Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Why Make This Recipe

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious and easy meal that combines tender chicken with savory flavors and fluffy rice. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal. The sweet and tangy barbecue sauce mixed with honey makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.

How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

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

1. Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
4. In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes. Add chicken broth and half the sauce. Stir to combine.
5. Return the chicken to the pan, pour the remaining sauce over the top.
6. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
7. Add mixed vegetables, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
8. Let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice warm straight from the skillet. You can pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat before serving.

Tips to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the BBQ sauce and honey for an hour before cooking.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier option—just adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more nutrition.

Variation

You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked properly.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as breasts cook faster.

2. What if I don’t have honey?
You can substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar for a similar sweetness.

3. Can I use instant rice?
Yes, but you will need to follow the cooking instructions on the instant rice package and adjust the liquid accordingly.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

A delicious and easy meal that combines tender chicken, savory flavors, and fluffy rice, perfect for family dinners or quick weeknight meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main 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

Method

 

Preparation

1. Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Cooking

1. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
2. In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes. Add chicken broth and half the sauce. Stir to combine.
3. Return the chicken to the pan, pour the remaining sauce over the top.
4. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
5. Add mixed vegetables, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
6. Let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the BBQ sauce and honey for an hour before cooking. Use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier option—just adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more nutrition.