Juicy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe: A Sweet Smoky Delight

Crispy chicken meets sweet and smoky honey bbq sauce in a delightful rice bowl that promises pure comfort.

My kitchen always comes alive with these incredible flavor combinations.

Southern-style cooking inspires this quick weeknight meal that feels like a warm hug.

Juicy chicken pieces nestle perfectly atop fluffy rice, creating a mouthwatering canvas of textures.

Minimal ingredients deliver maximum satisfaction with this simple yet incredibly delicious recipe.

Weeknight dinner heroes unite – this dish will become your new go-to meal that everyone will request again and again.

Let’s jump right in and create something seriously delectable that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice That Balances Sweet And Savory

• Quick and Easy One-Pan Meal: Whip up a delicious dinner using just a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and saving precious evening time.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Combines kid-approved BBQ chicken with hearty rice and colorful vegetables, creating a balanced meal everyone will love.
• Beginner-Cook Friendly: Straightforward recipe with simple seasonings and clear step-by-step instructions that guarantee success even for novice home chefs.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping BBQ sauce flavors, using different vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to suit individual tastes.

Items in Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

• Chicken Breast: Juicy and lean protein that becomes the star of the dish, best when fresh and boneless.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic spice blend that adds deep flavor complexity to the chicken.

• Vegetable Oil: Helps sear chicken and prevent sticking, neutral flavor works well.

• White Rice: Neutral grain that absorbs flavors beautifully, long-grain varieties work best.

• Chicken Broth: Adds rich depth and moisture to the rice, homemade or low-sodium recommended.
• BBQ Sauce: Provides tangy and sweet flavor profile, choose a quality brand with balanced taste.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that caramelizes and creates a glossy finish, pure honey preferred.

• Mixed Vegetables: Adds nutrition and color, frozen blend works perfectly for convenience.

• Green Onions, Parsley: Fresh herbs that provide bright flavor and visual appeal, optional but recommended.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Prep Method

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Seasoning

Combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

Generously coat the chicken pieces with the spice blend, ensuring even coverage.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a light drizzle of oil.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot pan.

Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms.

Transfer the seared chicken to a temporary plate.

Step 3: Toast Rice for Extra Flavor

In the same skillet, add the uncooked rice.

Stir and toast the rice for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to develop a nutty aroma and slight golden color.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Liquid Base

• BBQ sauce
• Honey

Stir the mixture until well combined and slightly bubbling.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Rice

Gently place the seared chicken back into the skillet, nestling the pieces into the rice and liquid mixture.

Ensure the chicken is partially submerged.

Step 6: Simmer and Cook

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.

Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the delicious flavors.

Step 7: Add Vegetables

Sprinkle mixed vegetables evenly over the rice and chicken.

Cover again and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 8: Check for Doneness

Verify the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C.

The rice should be tender and fluffy.

Step 9: Rest and Garnish

Remove from heat and let the dish sit for 5 minutes.

Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice while hot, ensuring each serving has a piece of chicken and a generous scoop of seasoned rice.

Honey BBQ Rice Quick Tips

• Marinate chicken in BBQ sauce for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth and tenderness of meat.
• Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains every time.
• Swap frozen vegetables with fresh seasonal options like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for extra nutrition and color.
• Adjust heat by selecting mild or spicy BBQ sauce, or mix two different brands to create your perfect flavor profile.
• Double the recipe and store leftovers in airtight containers for quick lunches, as the dish reheats beautifully in microwave or skillet.

Chicken Rice Bowl That Stays Sweet and Bold

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place chicken and rice in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of chicken broth to prevent dryness, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, transfer leftovers to an oven-safe dish, add a splash of broth, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated completely.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Sweet Bites For BBQ Rice

Savor Complementary Flavors: Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Pairings

• Crisp Coleslaw Crunch: Prepare a tangy, creamy coleslaw with fresh cabbage and carrots to balance the sweet and smoky chicken, adding refreshing texture that cuts through the richness.
• Zesty Citrus Beverage Blast: Select a cold, bright lemonade or cold-pressed orange juice with subtle acidity to complement the BBQ sauce's sweetness and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Fresh Garden Salad Boost: Toss a light green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to provide a fresh, crisp counterpoint to the hearty rice and chicken dish.
• Chilled White Wine Pairing: Choose a slightly sweet Riesling or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc that will enhance the honey and BBQ flavors while offering a sophisticated drink option for adult diners.

Chicken Rice BBQ Combos

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Version: Replace regular rice with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly alternative that cuts down on carbohydrates while maintaining the delicious BBQ chicken flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free BBQ sauce and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, using the same BBQ sauce and seasoning blend for a plant-based protein alternative that keeps the original recipe's robust flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ mixture for those who enjoy a more intense, fiery taste without changing the core recipe structure.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to increase the cooking liquid and cooking time. Brown rice typically requires more liquid and about 45-50 minutes of total cooking time.

• What type of BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?

A sweet and tangy BBQ sauce like Kansas City-style or honey-based sauce works perfectly. Choose a sauce with a balanced flavor that complements the chicken without being too overpowering.

• Is it okay to use frozen mixed vegetables?

Absolutely! Frozen mixed vegetables are convenient and work great in this recipe. Just add them directly from the freezer during the last 5 minutes of cooking. No need to thaw them beforehand.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Sure! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or use a spicy BBQ sauce to increase the heat level. Adjust the spiciness according to your personal preference.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling honey bbq chicken rice brings together sweet and smoky flavors in a quick weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken glazed with rich barbecue sauce nestles perfectly over fluffy rice, creating a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Grains and Liquid:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) long-grain rice
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)

Garnish:

• Chopped green onions or parsley

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious skillet over medium flame, preparing the cooking surface with a light oil coating.
2. Lavishly coat chicken pieces with a fragrant blend of garlic, onion, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Sear chicken until a golden-brown crust develops, approximately 3-4 minutes per side, creating depth of flavor.
4. Transfer beautifully browned chicken to a temporary holding plate.
5. In the same pan, introduce uncooked rice, gently toasting the grains to enhance their nutty essence.
6. Delicately pour chicken broth into the pan, whisking in tangy BBQ sauce and liquid amber honey.
7. Carefully nestle seared chicken back into the aromatic rice mixture.
8. Allow the concoction to reach a gentle boil, then reduce heat, creating a steamy environment under a tight-fitting lid.
9. Simmer the dish for approximately 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and rice to absorb liquid.
10. Distribute colorful mixed vegetables across the rice’s surface, ensuring even integration.
11. Continue cooking, covered, for an additional 5 minutes until rice achieves perfect tenderness and chicken reaches optimal internal temperature.
12. Remove from heat, letting the dish rest and settle for a brief 5-minute interval.
13. Fluff rice with a fork, creating light, separated grains.
14. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or parsley for a vibrant finish.
15. Serve immediately, presenting a harmony of textures and flavors.

Notes

• Boost flavor by marinating chicken in BBQ sauce mixture for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth and tenderness.
• Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and create a lighter, more balanced dish for health-conscious eaters.
• Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that keeps the meal’s delicious essence intact.
• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the BBQ sauce for a tangy kick that brightens the overall flavor profile and cuts through the sweetness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg