Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon
Bowl of Honey BBQ Chicken Rice with juicy glazed chicken and saucy rice, garnished with green onions and served with salad.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Recipe by Lucia Dorinda

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Total Time35 minutes
  • Yield4 servings 1x

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a sweet and smoky one pan dinner with juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and veggies simmered together in a honey BBQ sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite style)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons oil, for searing
  • Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large deep skillet or wide pan over medium heat. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil and let it warm until it looks shiny.
  2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Place the chicken in the hot pan in a single layer. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side without moving it, until golden brown, then flip and sear the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. It will finish cooking later.
  4. In the same pan, add the uncooked long-grain rice. Stir and toast the rice in the remaining oil and browned bits for 1 to 2 minutes, until some grains look slightly opaque and smell lightly nutty.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey until the liquid looks mostly combined. Gently scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits into the sauce.
  6. Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the pan on top of the rice mixture. The liquid should cover the rice and come partway up the sides of the chicken.
  7. Bring the pan to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover with a lid and let it simmer for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  8. After 15 minutes, quickly lift the lid and sprinkle the mixed vegetables evenly over the rice. Do not stir. Cover again and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  9. Check that the chicken is fully cooked with a meat thermometer. The thickest part of each piece should reach 165 F. If the rice still looks a little wet, you can remove the chicken to a plate and let the rice simmer covered for a few more minutes, then return the chicken to the pan.
  10. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently around the chicken, garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if you like, and serve the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice hot.

Notes

Storage: Let Honey BBQ Chicken Rice cool to room temperature, then transfer portions to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water until hot. For longer storage, freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Substitutions: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer leaner meat, and adjust the cook time slightly. Swap in brown rice, adding extra broth and cook time, or use your favorite frozen vegetable mix. Choose tamari in place of regular soy sauce based BBQ sauces if you need a gluten-conscious option and be sure your BBQ sauce fits your diet needs.

Make Ahead: You can season and sear the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, toast the rice, add the liquids, and simmer with the pre-seared chicken as directed. Leftover Honey BBQ Chicken Rice also works well for meal prep lunches in individual containers.

Tips: Use long-grain rice for the best texture and avoid lifting the lid too often while the rice cooks so steam stays trapped. Pick a BBQ sauce you love since its flavor will shape the whole dish. Always check that the chicken reaches 165 F in the thickest part for safe eating.

Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on specific ingredients, BBQ sauce type, and portion sizes. For the most accurate numbers, calculate nutrition using your exact products and serving sizes.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Find it online: https://www.alldietmeals.com/honey-bbq-chicken-rice/