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This filling Honey BBQ Chicken Rice has turned into my go-to weeknight meal, bringing sweet and smoky goodness all in one pan with hardly any dishes to wash.
I whipped up this dish during an especially hectic week when I needed something fast but filling. Now my family asks for it all the time, especially my teen who says it's "better than anything at a restaurant."
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts top protein pick since they stay moist and soak up all the tasty flavors
- Long grain rice gives you that perfect fluffiness without turning soggy
- Chicken broth brings rich flavor while cooking your rice just right
- BBQ sauce delivers that signature smoky flavor base pick whatever brand you like
- Honey cuts through the BBQ tang with its natural sweetness
- Garlic powder adds flavor punch without chopping fresh cloves
- Onion powder gives savory richness throughout the whole dish
- Smoked paprika essential for that real smoky BBQ taste
- Mixed vegetables brings color nutrients and makes it a complete meal
- Green onions or parsley optional topping that adds brightness and looks pretty
Easy Cooking Steps
- Sear the Chicken
- Coat your chicken pieces well with the garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika salt and pepper. Get your pan nice and hot first then add just a bit of oil. When cooking the chicken go for a nice golden outside that locks in flavor. Don't pack too many pieces in at once or they'll steam instead of sear. You're just aiming for color not fully cooked meat yet.
- Cook the Rice
- Once the chicken's out this part really matters. Lightly frying the dry rice in the same pan grabs all those tasty chicken bits and keeps the rice from clumping up. Keep stirring so it doesn't burn. You'll catch a nice nutty smell when the rice is ready. When you pour in the broth BBQ sauce and honey mix make sure to scrape up all those stuck-on bits from the bottom.
- Simmer Everything Together
- Put the chicken pieces back on top of the rice mix. They should sit partly in the liquid but not be completely covered. Keep it at a gentle bubble not a heavy boil so the bottom doesn't burn. Don't lift the lid or stir during the 15 minutes or you'll mess up the cooking time.
- Add the Vegetables
- Scatter your veggies evenly across the top without mixing them in. This lets them steam gently without turning mushy. If you're using frozen veggies no need to thaw them first. Fresh veggies might need an extra minute or two depending on how crunchy they are.
- Serve and Garnish
- Letting it sit after cooking helps spread the moisture evenly through the whole dish. When you fluff the rice use a fork not a spoon to keep it light and fluffy. Eat it right away while it's hot for the best taste.
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The honey in this dish is my little trick. Once I accidentally put in twice as much and found out it made amazing crispy edges around the rice. Now I sometimes put in an extra drizzle right at the end for a sweet touch that makes this meal really special.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice works great for planning meals ahead. The flavors actually get better overnight so leftovers are something you'll want to eat. Just put portions in microwave-safe containers and keep in the fridge up to 3 days. When heating it up add a spoonful of water to keep it from drying out and the rice will come back to life. On busy weeks I often make double just to make sure we have extra.
Tasty Twists
The main recipe works as a great starting point for lots of different versions. Try using teriyaki sauce and pineapple bits for a Hawaiian feel. For a Southwest style go with chipotle BBQ sauce black beans and corn topped with some cilantro. Feeling bold? Mix a spoonful of peanut butter into the sauce along with some red pepper flakes for a Thai-inspired dish that'll surprise you.
Kid-Friendly Options
This meal can easily change to make everyone at your table happy. Spice lovers can add hot sauce at the table. Picky eaters can get the parts separated before cooking have veggies on the side or just use their favorite kinds. Make it healthier with brown rice just use 2¼ cups of liquid and cook about 10 minutes longer. The natural sweetness makes kids really like this dish even if they usually turn up their nose at new foods.
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Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice works fine but needs some tweaks. You'll want to cook it longer, about 40-45 minutes total, and use more liquid, around 2.5 cups of broth. Wait to add your chicken until the last 20 minutes so it doesn't turn tough and dry.
- → What vegetables work best in this dish?
You've got tons of options here. Frozen veggie mixes with peas, carrots and corn are super handy, but fresh stuff like bell peppers, broccoli, sugar snap peas, or zucchini taste amazing too. Just make sure whatever you pick will cook up nicely in those final 5 minutes of cooking time.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This meal stays good in the fridge for 3-4 days no problem. Just put it in containers with tight lids and warm it up with a little splash of water or broth so the rice doesn't get dry. But wait to add any fresh toppings until you're ready to eat for the best taste.
- → What type of BBQ sauce works best?
You can use any BBQ sauce you love, but different kinds will give you different flavors. For that classic sweet smoky taste, go with hickory or mesquite sauce. Want it less sweet? Try a Carolina-style option. Since you're already adding honey, think about how sweet your sauce is to begin with.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
For extra heat, throw in some cayenne or red pepper flakes when you're seasoning your chicken. Or just grab a spicy BBQ sauce or drizzle in hot sauce with the liquids. If you want that slow-building warmth, toss in a chopped jalapeño when you're toasting the rice.
- → Can I cook this in an Instant Pot instead?
Sure can! Brown your chicken using the sauté function, then take it out. Toss in rice, seasonings, and liquids, put the chicken back on top, and cook for 5 minutes on high pressure. Let it sit for 10 minutes after before releasing the pressure. Mix in your veggies after cooking and they'll warm up from the leftover heat.