Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe is a flavorful, one-pan meal combining tender chicken thighs with sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, honey, and perfectly cooked rice. Enhanced with aromatic spices and optional mixed vegetables, it’s a comforting and easy dinner option that balances savory and sweet tastes in every bite.
- Author: Windy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Chicken and Seasonings
- 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 Vegetables
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Garnish
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl or on a plate, season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to infuse flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil if desired. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the hot pan and sear them for about 3–4 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust. Once seared, remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir well until all ingredients are blended smoothly to create a sweet and tangy BBQ glaze.
- Toast the Rice: Using the same skillet, add the uncooked long-grain rice and toast it over medium heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This step enhances the rice’s nutty flavor.
- Add Broth and Sauce to Rice: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and half of the prepared BBQ honey sauce into the skillet with the toasted rice. Stir to evenly distribute the liquid and sauce.
- Return Chicken to Pan: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet on top of the rice. Then pour the remaining BBQ honey sauce over the chicken.
- Simmer Covered: Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the rice to absorb most of the liquid.
- Cook With Vegetables: Add the optional mixed vegetables to the skillet, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes to finish steaming. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning mix for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Mixed vegetables can include carrots, peas, corn, or bell peppers depending on preference.
- If you prefer spicier food, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth and BBQ sauce for a healthier, lower salt version.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, Chicken Rice, One-Pan Meal, Easy Dinner, BBQ Sauce Recipe, Chicken Thighs, Comfort Food