Description

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken thighs with a flavorful BBQ and honey sauce, cooked together with rice and mixed vegetables in one pan. It’s a delicious, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that delivers a savory and slightly sweet flavor profile with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste

Rice and Sauce

1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
¼ cup honey

Vegetables and Garnish

1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish
Drizzle of cooking oil (e.g. olive oil or vegetable oil)

Instructions

Heat the pan: Place a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat to prepare for searing the chicken.
Season the chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for a flavorful base.
Sear the chicken: Add a drizzle of oil to the hot pan, then sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it develops a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Toast the rice: In the same pan, add the uncooked long-grain rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to enhance the rice’s nutty flavor and prevent sticking.
Add liquids and sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey until combined, creating a flavorful cooking liquid.
Return chicken to pan: Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the rice mixture, ensuring they are partially submerged in the liquid.
Simmer covered: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes to cook the rice and chicken through.
Add vegetables: Sprinkle the mixed vegetables evenly over the rice and chicken, then cover again to continue cooking.
Finish cooking: Continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender, vegetables are cooked, and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Rest and fluff: Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle. Then fluff the rice gently with a fork.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley over the dish for a fresh, vibrant finish before serving hot.

Notes

You can use either chicken thighs or breasts depending on your preference; thighs will be juicier while breasts are leaner.
For extra smoky flavor, choose a smoky BBQ sauce or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the rice cooking liquid.
If using frozen mixed vegetables, no need to thaw before adding.
Use a heavy-bottomed pan with a lid to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
Check the chicken’s internal temperature to guarantee it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, One-Pot Meal, Chicken and Rice, Easy Dinner, BBQ Chicken Recipe, Weeknight Dinner