Description
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe combines tender, flavorful chicken thighs simmered in a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce with fluffy rice and mixed vegetables, creating a comforting and easy one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights.
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
Rice and Sauce
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- ¼ cup honey
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (for searing)
Instructions
- Preheat the Pan: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat to prepare for searing the chicken.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken thighs or breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Add a tablespoon of cooking oil to the heated pan. Place the seasoned chicken in the pan and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Toast the Rice: In the same pan with the residual oil and flavors, add the uncooked rice. Stir frequently and toast the rice for 1-2 minutes until slightly translucent and fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Sauce: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, then stir in ½ cup BBQ sauce and ¼ cup honey until combined.
- Return Chicken to Pan: Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the rice mixture, ensuring they are partially submerged to absorb flavor.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Sprinkle 1 cup of mixed vegetables evenly over the rice without stirring. Cover again and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Check Doneness: Confirm the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Fluff: Remove the pan from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice gently with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley and serve the dish hot.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but thighs remain juicier.
- Use any BBQ sauce flavor you prefer, such as smoky, spicy, or sweet, to customize the dish.
- Frozen mixed vegetables work great for convenience but fresh can add extra texture.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, BBQ chicken rice, one pan meal, easy chicken recipe, chicken and rice, sweet and smoky chicken
