SPREAD LOVE

Why Make This Recipe

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious and easy meal that brings together juicy chicken, flavorful rice, and a touch of sweetness. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress friends and family with minimal effort. This dish is comforting, filling, and packed with flavors that everyone will enjoy.

How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

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)
Chopped green onions or parsley

Directions:

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 and set aside.
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.
Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
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).
Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice.
Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot!

How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Serve this dish hot right out of the pan. It looks great on a family dinner table and is delicious with a side salad or some fresh bread. You can also add extra BBQ sauce on top if you prefer more flavor.

How to Store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

To store leftovers, let the dish cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the chicken rice in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Make sure to season the chicken well for the best flavor.
If you like a bit of spice, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
Feel free to use different vegetables based on what you have on hand or your family’s favorites.

Variation

You can easily alter the recipe by using different proteins, like shrimp or tofu, for a twist. You can also try different types of rice, such as brown rice or jasmine rice, for varied flavors and textures.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and the liquid amount since brown rice takes longer to cook.

2. Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken and rice are cooked through.

3. Can I omit the honey?
Yes, if you prefer a less sweet dish, you can leave out the honey or reduce the amount based on your taste preference.