Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Short, Catchy Intro

So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen huh Same. This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is basically the food world answering that call. It gives you sticky sweet chicken, smoky BBQ vibes, and fluffy rice all in one pan so cleanup barely exists.

If you want a peek at a similar riff before you dive in I tossed a little inspiration over here another Honey BBQ Chicken Rice version that plays with flavors in a slightly different way. Trust me this one is friendly to weeknights and proud of it.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

First off this recipe is fast and forgiving. Burned edges and ruined dinners do not stand a chance. You get caramelized chicken that tastes restaurant fancy but takes almost zero ego to make.

It is also perfect for leftovers. Want lunch tomorrow that does not scream sad desk lunch You got it. The sauce soaks into the rice which makes every bite juicy and comforting.

And the best part You can make it your own. Swap veggies swap BBQ sauce swap mood. FYI I consider this an all purpose cozy meal with a built in pat on the back for you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts pick thighs if you like more flavor and less drama
• 1 cup long grain rice because sticky rice would be a different party
• 2 cups chicken broth for depth and no boring rice
• 1 half cup BBQ sauce your choice pick a tangy or smoky one depending on your mood
• 1 quarter cup honey because sweet glue is the secret
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder because fresh garlic would be fancy but powder wins on speed
• 1 teaspoon onion powder same reasoning as garlic powder
• 1 half teaspoon smoked paprika optional but it makes everything taste like victory
• Salt and pepper to taste be bold or be timid your call
• 1 cup mixed vegetables frozen or fresh I use frozen peas carrots corn because lazy chef combo rocks
• Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish because presentation matters even when you are cozy

If you like a slightly different texture check this simple twist I found that changes the rice a bit rice cooking tips and tweaks.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Keep an eye on it so nothing jumps to the dark side.
2. Season the chicken with garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika salt and pepper. Press the spices into the meat like you mean it.
3. Add a drizzle of oil to the pan and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside. You are building flavor layers here.
4. In the same pan add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes stirring frequently. This makes the rice nutty and excellent.
5. Pour in the chicken broth then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey. Watch the color change and feel a small burst of pride.
6. Return the seared chicken to the pan nestling it into the rice mixture. Make sure the rice peeks out so it still cooks properly.
7. Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to low cover and let simmer for 15 minutes. Do not peek like it is a turtle egg just trust the process.
8. After 15 minutes sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice. Cover again and continue cooking for 5 more minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked internal temp of 165°F 74°C. Use a thermometer if you own one otherwise cut into the thickest piece to check.
9. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice. This rest is where magic finishes the job.
10. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley and serve hot Have napkins ready for sticky fingers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Thinking you can skip seasoning the chicken because the sauce will fix it Nope season boldly.
• Not toasting the rice You may think this is extra but it lifts the whole dish.
• Lifting the lid during the simmer Unless you want undercooked rice or a longer dinner time just leave it.
• Using way too much BBQ sauce Keep it at the recipe level or you will drown the rice and lose texture.
• Overcooking the chicken If it goes past 165°F 74°C it becomes sad and rubbery. Use a thermometer for the win.
• Forgetting to rest the dish for five minutes That little wait makes the rice plump and the sauce settle.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• No chicken thighs Use breasts no shame. Just watch cooking time as breasts cook slightly faster and dry out easier. I still vote for thighs but to each their own.
• Want it gluten free Check your BBQ sauce label some have hidden gluten. Swap in a certified gluten free sauce and you are golden.
• Prefer less sweet Cut the honey to two tablespoons and add a splash of apple cider vinegar to keep balance. imo balance is everything.
• No chicken broth Use water plus a pinch of bouillon or a splash of soy sauce for depth. Not as ideal but functional.
• Veggie only Swap the chicken for cubed tofu or chickpeas and add a little extra BBQ sauce so the tofu soaks it all up. This is actually pretty great.

Also if you feel like exploring texture or grains try switching to brown rice but know it will need more liquid and a longer cook time. For quick options I sometimes use jasmine rice though it will change the vibe a bit. If you want another inspiration path here is a related take I liked when experimenting an alternate take on honey BBQ chicken rice.

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Q Why does my rice turn out mushy sometimes
A Did you use too much liquid or cook too long Could be both Try measuring carefully and follow the rest time to let the grains firm up

Q Can I make this in an oven safe dish and bake it instead
A Sure you can transfer everything to a covered oven dish and bake at 375 F until rice is tender and chicken hits 165°F 74°C Just add extra time and check halfway through

Q Can I use brown rice or another grain
A Yes but brown rice needs more liquid and time Adjust broth accordingly and expect a different texture but tasty still

Q Can I meal prep this for the week
A Absolutely It reheats well in a skillet or microwave Add a splash of water when reheating to keep moisture

Q Is this kid friendly or too spicy
A Totally kid friendly The recipe is sweet and savory not spicy If you want heat add red pepper flakes to your portion

Q Can I double the recipe for more people
A Yes double everything but use a larger pan so rice cooks evenly and do not crowd the chicken when searing

Q Any tips for making it ahead and finishing just before serving
A Cook rice and chicken separately and mix with warm sauce and veggies at the last minute Heat gently and serve fresh for best texture

Final Thoughts

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is the kind of meal that naps in your stomach and does not judge you for second helpings. It is forgiving fast and full of flavor which makes it a regular in my rotation.

Pro tip Use a good quality BBQ sauce for big flavor with minimal effort. And remember rest time matters so do not rush that last five minutes.

Conclusion

Now go impress someone or yourself with your new culinary skills You have earned it and you deserve compliments. If you want more ideas and a slightly different spin on this theme take a look at this helpful recipe page for more inspiration Honey BBQ Chicken Bowls from Easy Family Recipes.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

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Description

A quick and forgiving one-pan meal featuring sticky sweet chicken, smoky BBQ vibes, and fluffy rice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup long grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
• Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add a drizzle of oil to the pan and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey.
6. Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture.
7. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
8. After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice, cover again, and continue cooking for 5 more minutes.
9. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice.
10. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Perfect for weeknight dinners, leftovers, or meal prep. Can be made with different proteins or veggies.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Honey BBQ, Chicken, Rice, One-Pan Meal, Quick Dinner