Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious and hearty meal that combines tender chicken thighs, fluffy rice, and a sweet and tangy sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. The blend of BBQ sauce and honey gives the chicken a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the rice. Add some mixed vegetables, and you have a complete meal in one pot. With simple ingredients and easy steps, making this delightful dish is a breeze.
Why Make This Recipe
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a fantastic choice for several reasons. First, it is simple to prepare. Busy cooks will appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together—perfect for a family dinner after a long day. The use of pantry staples like rice and chicken makes it budget-friendly, too.
Moreover, the flavors are outstanding. The combination of honey and BBQ sauce creates a balanced sweetness that pleases the palate. Smoky undertones from the smoked paprika add depth to the dish. Plus, if you add in mixed vegetables, you’re enhancing not just the flavor but also the nutritional value.
This recipe is also flexible. You can customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences, such as switching up the type of protein or adding different vegetables. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a dish that you will love to make and serve.
How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Making Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is straightforward. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.
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
Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the boneless, skinless chicken thighs. In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mix all over the chicken thighs. This step adds delicious flavors to the meat.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs in the skillet. Cook them for about 3–4 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the BBQ sauce and honey. If you like, you could also add a splash of soy sauce and some minced garlic for extra flavor. This mixture will become your sauce that you pour over the chicken and rice.
Toast the Rice: In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add the uncooked rice. Toast the rice for 1–2 minutes. Toasting brings out a nutty flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Add Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet with the toasted rice. Make sure to scrape up any brown bits left from cooking the chicken; this will add even more flavor. Stir in half of the sauce mixture to mix everything together.
Return the Chicken: Now it’s time to return the seared chicken to the pan. Lay the chicken thighs right on top of the rice mixture. Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken.
Cover and Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid. Lower the heat and let everything simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend and the rice to absorb the chicken broth.
Add Vegetables: If you are using mixed vegetables, add them to the skillet after the 15-minute simmer. Cover the skillet again and cook for 5 more minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
Rest and Serve: Once cooked, take the skillet off the heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes to let the flavors settle. Before serving, garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Honey BBQ Chicken Rice!
How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Serving Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is easy and enjoyable. You can serve it straight from the skillet for a casual meal, or you can plate it for a more formal presentation. Here are a few ideas on how to serve this dish:
Garnish: Always sprinkle some fresh, chopped green onions on top before serving. This adds color and freshness to the dish.
Side Dishes: Consider pairing it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. The refreshing salad will balance the sweetness of the chicken rice.
Meal Prep: This recipe also works well for meal prepping. Divide it into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
How to Store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
If you have leftovers, it’s essential to store them correctly to maintain flavor and freshness. Here’s how:
Cool Down: Allow the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes after cooking.
Transfer to Containers: Place the leftovers in airtight containers. Make sure to keep all ingredients together, as the rice, chicken, and vegetables should maintain their texture.
Refrigerate: Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within 3–4 days.
Freezing Option: If you want to keep the dish longer, you can freeze it. Place the cooled Honey BBQ Chicken Rice in freezer-safe containers. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator the night before and reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Tips to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Here’s a few extra tips to ensure your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice turns out perfect:
Select Quality Chicken: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken thighs to best enjoy the juicy flavor.
Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. If you like it spicy, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili flakes.
Rice Choices: While long-grain rice is great, you can experiment with other types, such as jasmine or basmati, which can add different flavors.
Vegetable Variety: You can use any mixed vegetables you prefer. Peas, carrots, and bell peppers all work nicely in this dish.
Variation
If you want to try something different, consider these variations:
Different Proteins: Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Sauce Alternatives: Use teriyaki sauce or a spicy chili sauce if BBQ is not your favorite.
Use Different Grains: Instead of rice, use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier or low-carb option.
FAQs
Q1: Can I prepare this dish in advance?
A1: Yes! You can prepare the rice and sauce ahead of time. Just cook the chicken and assemble the dish when you’re ready to eat.
Q2: How can I make this dish more spicy?
A2: To spice it up, add hot sauce to the marinade or mix chili flakes into the sauce.
Q3: Can I substitute honey with something else?
A3: Yes! You can use maple syrup or brown sugar as a substitute for honey if you prefer.
With these detailed steps, tips, and variations, you are all set to create a delicious, comforting meal of Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. Enjoy cooking!
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Ingredients
Method
- Season the chicken thighs with a mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat and sear the seasoned chicken thighs for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce and honey. Optionally, add soy sauce and minced garlic.
- In the same skillet, toast the uncooked rice for 1-2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth to the toasted rice and stir in half of the sauce mixture.
- Place the seared chicken on top of the rice and pour the remaining sauce over it. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, if using mixed vegetables, add them and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
- Let the dish sit for 5 minutes off heat before serving.