Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

why make this recipe

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a fantastic meal that is simple to prepare and full of flavor. It combines juicy chicken with sweet and tangy BBQ sauce and honey, all served over fluffy rice with mixed vegetables. This dish is not only delicious but also satisfying, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option for the family. The one-pot method makes cleanup easy, and the meal is ready in about 30 minutes.

how to make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
• Chopped green onions or parsley

Directions:

1. Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add a drizzle of oil to the pan and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey.
6. Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture.
7. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
8. After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice.
9. Cover again and continue cooking for 5 more minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
10. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice.
11. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve hot!

how to serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice hot in bowls or on plates. You can add extra chopped green onions or parsley on top for a fresh touch. This dish pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread if you want something extra.

how to store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

To store leftover Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, let it cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It can last up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove until it is heated through.

tips to make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

• Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken to get a nice golden color.
• You can adjust the level of sweetness by varying the amount of honey you use.
• For added texture, try adding some nuts or seeds on top when serving.
• Feel free to use any type of BBQ sauce that you prefer, whether store-bought or homemade.

variation

You can make this dish with different proteins, like shrimp or tofu, for a vegetarian option. You can also switch out the mixed vegetables for your favorite seasonal veggies.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of liquid used, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

What if I don’t have BBQ sauce?
You can make a simple marinade with soy sauce, ketchup, and a little vinegar as a quick alternative.

Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and rice mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just reheat thoroughly before serving.

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