Description
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious one-pan meal featuring tender, seasoned chicken thighs or breasts cooked with long-grain rice in a flavorful mixture of BBQ sauce and honey, creating a perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors. This comforting dish is easy to prepare and includes mixed vegetables for added nutrition, making it a wholesome family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 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 Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- ¼ cup honey
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Additional
- Drizzle of oil (for searing chicken)
Instructions
- Preheat Pan: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat to prepare for cooking.
- Season the Chicken: Generously season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to flavor the meat.
- Sear Chicken: Add a drizzle of oil to the preheated pan, then sear the chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Toast Rice: In the same pan, add the uncooked long-grain rice. Stir frequently and toast it for 1-2 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors and slightly brown.
- Add Liquids and Sauces: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey until everything is well combined to create a sweet and tangy cooking liquid.
- Return Chicken to Pan: Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the rice mixture, ensuring they are partially submerged in the flavorful liquid.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 15 minutes to cook the rice and chicken.
- Add Vegetables: After 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle 1 cup of mixed vegetables evenly over the rice mixture.
- Finish Cooking: Cover the pan again and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove the pan from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice gently with a fork to combine everything.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving hot for a fresh, colorful finish.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat, or breasts for a leaner option.
- Adjust the amount of honey and BBQ sauce to suit your preferred sweetness and smokiness.
- Frozen mixed vegetables work well but make sure to drain any excess water before adding.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- For added spice, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, Chicken Rice, One Pan Meal, Easy Dinner, BBQ Chicken, Comfort Food, Quick Chicken Recipe
