Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

A one-pan weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken glazed with sweet honey and smoky BBQ sauce, simmered with fluffy rice and vegetables in 35 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Rest Time 5

Total Time 35

Servings: 4 portions

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts thighs preferred for juicier results
1 cup long-grain white rice rinsed once before using
2 cup chicken broth low-sodium recommended
0.5 cup BBQ sauce smoky variety preferred, low-sodium optional
0.25 cup honey or substitute maple syrup or agave nectar
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
0.5 tsp smoked paprika
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup mixed vegetables frozen or fresh; peas, corn, diced bell pepper all work well
1 tbsp oil neutral oil for searing

Equipment

Large skillet with lid
Instant read meat thermometer
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Method

Pat chicken dry with a paper towel. Season all over with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil. Once shimmering, sear chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Chicken does not need to be cooked through yet. Remove and set aside.
In the same unwashed skillet, add dry rice and stir over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes until pale golden and nutty-smelling.
Pour in chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Stir well, scraping up all browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Return seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice and sauce. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
Scatter mixed vegetables on top of the chicken and rice without stirring. Replace lid and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Check chicken with an instant-read thermometer. It should read 165 degrees F. Rice should be tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
Remove from heat. Let rest uncovered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice gently with a fork.
Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce drizzle and fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

Do not lift the lid during the 15-minute simmer. Toast rice before adding liquid for better flavor and texture. Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking the chicken. Brown rice requires 2.5 cups broth and 35 to 40 minutes cooking time.