Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender seared chicken thighs cooked with smoky spices and a sweet honey BBQ sauce, combined with perfectly simmered rice and optional mixed vegetables. This quick and easy dish delivers a comforting blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Author: Caleb
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional)
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 clove minced garlic
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to ensure flavorful meat.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken thighs in the pan and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove from the skillet and set aside temporarily.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Mix well to blend all flavors together.
- Toast the Rice: Using the same skillet (with any leftover juices), add the uncooked long-grain rice and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and enhance nuttiness.
- Add Liquids and Part Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and half of the prepared honey BBQ sauce mixture into the skillet with the toasted rice. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Simmer with Chicken: Return the seared chicken thighs to the pan, arranging them on top of the rice mixture. Pour the remaining half of the honey BBQ sauce over the chicken to coat.
- Cook Covered: Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let everything simmer gently for about 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb liquid and the chicken to continue cooking through.
- Add Vegetables: If using mixed vegetables, add them to the skillet, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the rice is tender, vegetables are cooked, and chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Rest and Garnish: Turn off the heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes to let flavors settle. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- For best results, use bone-in chicken thighs if you want extra flavor, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix.
- Mixed vegetables can include carrots, peas, corn, and bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
- If you don’t have soy sauce, you can substitute with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, Chicken Rice Recipe, One Pan Meal, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food