Description
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts glazed in a rich honey BBQ sauce, served over fluffy white rice cooked in savory chicken broth. The dish balances sweet, smoky, and savory flavors perfectly for a comforting and quick meal ideal for weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons honey
For Garnish (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
- Season the Chicken: While the rice cooks, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper for a well-rounded flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey until fully combined.
- Glaze the Chicken: Pour the honey BBQ sauce mixture into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, frequently turning the chicken to ensure it is coated well and the sauce becomes a sticky glaze.
- Serve: Slice the glazed chicken breasts into strips. Serve the chicken over the cooked rice, drizzle with any remaining sauce from the skillet, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
- For juicier chicken, substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- You can swap white rice for jasmine or basmati rice for added aroma.
- To add more flavor to the rice, stir in a bit of garlic butter or lime zest after cooking.
- Adjust the honey quantity based on your preferred sweetness level in the glaze.
- This dish can be prepped ahead by cooking the chicken and rice separately, then combining and reheating before serving.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-searing and simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1 chicken breast and 1 cup cooked rice)
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, Rice Bowl, BBQ Chicken Recipe, Quick Dinner, Weeknight Meal, Comfort Food
