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Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

4.3 from 28 reviews

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender boneless chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful honey BBQ sauce with seasoned rice and mixed vegetables. This easy-to-make dish combines smoky, sweet, and savory notes for a satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 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 Sauce

  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 cloves minced garlic

Vegetables and Garnish

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

Instructions

  1. Season Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper evenly, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
  2. Sear Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the chicken thighs. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Prepare BBQ Sauce Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic, stirring well to blend the flavors.
  4. Toast Rice: Using the same skillet to retain the chicken flavors, add the uncooked long-grain rice and toast it for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth and half of the BBQ sauce mixture, stirring to combine everything evenly.
  6. Return Chicken and Add Sauce: Place the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, then pour the remaining BBQ sauce evenly on top of the chicken.
  7. Cook Covered: Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 15 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the liquid and the chicken to cook through.
  8. Add Vegetables: Stir in the mixed vegetables, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the rice is tender, vegetables are cooked, and chicken is fully done.
  9. Rest and Garnish: Remove from heat and let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes to settle. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot for added freshness.

Notes

  • Use long-grain rice for best texture and fluffiness.
  • Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey according to taste.
  • For an extra smoky flavor, opt for mesquite or hickory flavored BBQ sauce.
  • To make this dish vegetarian, substitute chicken thighs with tofu or chickpeas.

Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, Chicken Rice, One-Pan Meal, BBQ Sauce, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Chicken Thighs, Sweet and Smoky Chicken