Description
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice brings smoky-sweet comfort straight to your dinner table with tender chicken glazed in tangy sauce over fluffy rice. Weeknight meals become something special when simple ingredients combine for maximum flavor and zero fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
Sauce and Seasoning:
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
Liquid:
- 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Slice 1 lb chicken into 1-inch cubes, ensuring even pieces for consistent cooking. Rinse 1 cup long-grain rice under cold running water until water runs clear.
- Preheat a large skillet to medium-high heat at 375°F. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- In a separate pot, combine rinsed rice with 2 cups chicken broth. Bring mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover with a tight lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
- Whisk ½ cup BBQ sauce, ¼ cup honey, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika in a small bowl until smooth and well-blended.
- Add 1 cup mixed vegetables to the rice during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain any excess liquid if needed.
- Pour sauce over cooked chicken in skillet, stirring to coat completely. Let sauce caramelize for 2-3 minutes over medium heat.
- Combine sauced chicken with rice and vegetables, gently folding ingredients together to distribute sauce evenly. Let sit for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Plate the dish immediately, ensuring each serving gets a balanced mix of chicken, rice, and vegetables.
Notes
- Always cut chicken into uniformly sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor distribution.
- Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which helps prevent clumping and creates a fluffier texture.
- Use low sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, especially if your BBQ sauce is already quite salty.
- For a gluten-free version, select a certified gluten-free BBQ sauce and verify all ingredient labels before preparing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 to 4
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg