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