Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice combines tender chicken, fluffy long-grain rice, mixed vegetables, honey, and BBQ sauce in one sweet-smoky skillet. It is a dependable family dinner for busy nights because the rice cooks right in the pan and absorbs the sauce.
Equipment
- Deep skillet or sauté pan with lid
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting Board
- Instant-read thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup mixed vegetables fresh or frozen
- chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Sear chicken in a lightly oiled deep skillet over medium heat until golden on both sides, then transfer to a plate.
- Add uncooked rice to the same pan and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often.
- Stir together broth, BBQ sauce, and honey, then pour the mixture over the toasted rice.
- Return chicken to the pan, bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
- Add mixed vegetables, cover again, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are hot and the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest covered for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice and adding garnish.
Notes
Storage: Store cooled Honey BBQ Chicken Rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water until the chicken and rice are steaming hot.
Freezing: Freeze portions for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Best Tips: Keep the simmer low after adding honey and BBQ sauce so the bottom does not scorch.
Variations: Use chicken thighs, chicken breasts, corn, peas, broccoli, bell peppers, or a spicy BBQ sauce to adjust the pan.
Sauce Tips: Choose a BBQ sauce you enjoy on its own because it carries the main sweet-smoky flavor.