Description
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender, marinated chicken thighs cooked with long-grain rice in a savory BBQ and honey sauce. Combined with mixed vegetables and aromatic spices, this meal is easy to prepare, packed with comforting flavors, and perfect for a quick dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil (for searing)
Rice and Sauce
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- ¼ cup honey
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh, such as peas, carrots, corn)
- Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs or breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: Add a drizzle of oil to the pan and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Toast the rice: In the same pan with remaining oil and flavorings, add the uncooked long-grain rice. Toast it for 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Add liquids and sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey until well combined.
- Combine chicken and rice: Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling the pieces into the rice mixture to allow the flavors to meld.
- Simmer the dish: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and the chicken to cook through.
- Add mixed vegetables: After 15 minutes, evenly 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).
- Rest and serve: Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to let the flavors settle. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
- Garnish and enjoy: Sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley on top before serving hot for a fresh finish.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs depending on your preference for more tender or lean meat.
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce—smoky, spicy, or sweet—for varied flavor profiles.
- Frozen mixed vegetables work well and reduce prep time, but fresh vegetables add extra crispness.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- For a gluten-free version, verify that your BBQ sauce is gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, Chicken Rice, One Pan Meal, BBQ Chicken, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food
