Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe is a true winner for many reasons! First, it’s incredibly easy to make. You only need one pan, which means minimal clean-up after dinner. The combination of sweet honey and smoky BBQ sauce creates a fantastic flavor profile that’s irresistible. Plus, the rice absorbs all the delicious juices from the chicken, making each bite full of flavor. With the added bonus of mixed vegetables, this recipe is well-balanced and gives you protein, carbs, and veggies all in one dish. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a meal for yourself, this recipe offers a fast, flavorful, and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 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)

• Optional garnish: Chopped green onions or parsley

Directions

1. Sear the Chicken
   Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add a drizzle of oil to the pan and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

2. Cook the Rice
   In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey.

3. Simmer Everything Together
   Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

4. Add the Vegetables
   After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice. Cover again and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

5. Serve & Garnish
   Once everything is cooked through, serve the dish topped with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.

• Spicy Twist: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for an extra kick.

• Brown Rice Option: Use brown rice instead of white rice for a heartier, healthier alternative. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid as brown rice takes longer to cook.

• Different Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the mixed vegetables for others like bell peppers, corn, or peas to suit your preferences.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out. Stir occasionally to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, though they may cook a bit faster than thighs. Make sure to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Can I use a different type of rice?

You can use other types of rice, but keep in mind that the cooking time and liquid requirements may vary depending on the variety. Long-grain rice works best for this recipe.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Just store the chicken, rice, and seasonings separately and assemble when ready to cook.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, incorporate chili flakes, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce before mixing it with the rice.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?

To prevent sticking, make sure to stir the rice occasionally and keep the heat at medium or low while cooking. The broth will help keep the rice from burning or sticking.

What vegetables can I use in place of the mixed vegetables?

You can use a variety of fresh or frozen vegetables like bell peppers, peas, corn, carrots, or even spinach. Use whatever you have on hand!

Can I use a different type of BBQ sauce?

Feel free to use any BBQ sauce you like! Whether it's tangy, sweet, smoky, or spicy, the flavor of the sauce will influence the overall taste of the dish.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure to use a larger pan and adjust the cooking times accordingly.

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, white rice works best in this recipe as it cooks faster and absorbs the flavors of the broth and sauce more efficiently.

Conclusion

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a fantastic one-pan dish that combines bold, smoky flavors with tender chicken and savory rice. It’s quick, easy to make, and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. With simple ingredients and minimal clean-up, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation. Try it out today and enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal in just 35 minutes!

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This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a mouthwatering one-pan dish that combines juicy, tender chicken with a smoky-sweet BBQ sauce, all cooked together with perfectly seasoned rice and veggies.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: One-pan
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

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)

Optional garnish: Chopped green onions or parsley

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add a drizzle of oil to the pan and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
2. In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey.
3. Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
4. After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice. Cover again and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Once everything is cooked through, serve the dish topped with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.

Notes

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
• Spicy Twist: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for an extra kick.
• Brown Rice Option: Use brown rice instead of white rice for a heartier, healthier alternative. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid as brown rice takes longer to cook.
• Different Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the mixed vegetables for others like bell peppers, corn, or peas to suit your preferences.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg