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Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful fusion of tender, smoky-sweet chicken and savory rice, perfect for comfort food lovers. It’s a versatile, customizable dish that suits a variety of tastes and dietary needs.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Protein:
  • 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
Grains:
  • 1 cup of long-grain rice
Liquids:
  • 2 cups of chicken broth
Sauces:
  • 1/2 cup of your preferred BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup of honey
Spices:
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables:
  • 1 cup of mixed vegetables can be frozen or fresh
Garnish (Optional):
  • Chopped green onions or fresh parsley

Method
 

Step 1: Sear the Chicken
  1. Begin by heating a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat.
  2. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Drizzle a bit of oil into the pan and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden and browned. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
  1. Using the same pan, add the uncooked long-grain rice and lightly toast it for 1–2 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent burning.
  2. Next, pour in the chicken broth and mix in the BBQ sauce and honey, stirring until well combined.
Step 3: Simmer Everything Together
  1. Return the seared chicken to the pan, placing it gently into the rice mixture.
  2. Bring the contents to a light boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
  1. After 15 minutes of simmering, evenly distribute the mixed vegetables over the rice.
  2. Cover the pan again and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
  1. Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
  2. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, then garnish with chopped green onions or parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Choose long-grain rice for optimal texture—short-grain varieties can turn overly soft or mushy.
Modify the level of sweetness to your liking by increasing or decreasing the amount of honey.
To enhance the smoky flavor, opt for a BBQ sauce made with mesquite or hickory.
Feel free to switch up the protein—this dish is equally delicious with shrimp, tofu, or beef!