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Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

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4.1 from 13 reviews

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a sweet and smoky one-pan dinner featuring juicy chicken thighs coated in a sticky honey BBQ glaze, cooked with fluffy long-grain rice and savory chicken broth. This recipe is perfect for weeknight meals or meal prep, delivering comforting flavors with minimal cleanup and an optional vegetable addition for extra nutrition.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Rice and Sauce

  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey

Optional Ingredients and Garnish

  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional)
  • Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly onto the chicken thighs to ensure they are well coated for flavor.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil if needed. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet and sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken and set aside temporarily.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic to create a sticky, flavorful glaze that will infuse the dish with sweetness and smokiness.
  4. Toast the Rice: In the same skillet used for searing, add the uncooked long-grain rice and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to enhance the nutty flavor of the rice.
  5. Add Broth and Half the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth along with half of the prepared honey BBQ sauce. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly in the pan, creating the cooking liquid for the rice and chicken.
  6. Return Chicken and Add Remaining Sauce: Place the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture. Pour the remaining half of the honey BBQ sauce over the chicken to ensure it’s fully coated in the glaze.
  7. Simmer Covered: Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer gently for 15 minutes to cook the rice and allow the flavors to meld.
  8. Add Vegetables and Continue Cooking: Stir in the optional mixed vegetables, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the rice is tender, the chicken is cooked through, and the vegetables are softened.
  9. Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot.

Notes

  • Use long-grain rice for the best texture and fluffiness.
  • Adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the honey amount according to your preference.
  • For a deeper smoky flavor, opt for mesquite or hickory-flavored BBQ sauce.
  • To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas while following the same cooking process.

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