Print

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 62 reviews

A delicious and easy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe featuring tender boneless chicken thighs cooked with honey and BBQ sauce, served over fluffy long-grain rice and chicken broth. This comforting one-pot meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, optionally enhanced with mixed vegetables and garnished with fresh chopped green onions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 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

Rice and Vegetables

  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional)

Garnish

  • Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
  2. Sear the chicken: In a large skillet or pan over medium heat, add a small amount of oil and sear the chicken thighs until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side. This locks in juices and adds a rich flavor to the meat.
  3. Add sauce and deglaze the pan: Stir together the BBQ sauce and honey in a bowl, then pour over the chicken in the skillet. Use a spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, incorporating all that flavor.
  4. Add rice and broth: Pour the rice and chicken broth into the skillet with the chicken and sauce, spreading the rice evenly to submerge it properly. If using, stir in the mixed vegetables.
  5. Simmer and cook: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer gently for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
  6. Rest and garnish: Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let it rest covered for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs provide more moisture and flavor.
  • Adding mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers boosts nutrition and color.
  • If the rice isn’t fully cooked after 20 minutes, add a splash of broth and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  • For extra smoky flavor, consider using smoked paprika or adding a splash of liquid smoke to the sauce.
  • Use gluten-free BBQ sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.

Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, One-Pot Meal, Chicken and Rice, Easy Dinner, Weeknight Recipe, BBQ Sauce Chicken

Find it online: https://zestywithzane.com/honey-bbq-chicken-rice-recipe/