Description
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful one-pan meal combining tender, juicy chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, paired with fluffy long-grain rice and optional mixed vegetables. This comforting dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prepping, offering a balanced and satisfying combination of protein, carbs, and vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Honey BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
Optional
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional)
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season them evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavors and prepare them for searing.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil if needed. Sear the chicken thighs for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside temporarily.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, and optionally soy sauce and minced garlic (if desired, since the recipe mentions mixing soy sauce and minced garlic though not in ingredients). Mix well to create a sweet and smoky glaze.
- Toast the Rice: In the same skillet with the chicken drippings, add the uncooked long-grain rice and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring, which enhances its nutty flavor.
- Add Liquids and Half the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and half of the prepared honey BBQ sauce, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Return Chicken to Pan: Place the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet atop the rice. Pour the remaining honey BBQ sauce over the chicken for extra moisture and flavor.
- Simmer Covered: Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the liquid and the chicken to cook through.
- Add Vegetables and Continue Cooking: Stir in the mixed vegetables, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender, the vegetables are heated through, and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish sit, covered, for 5 minutes to let flavors meld. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot.
Notes
- Use long-grain rice for the best texture and fluffy result.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dish by modifying the amount of honey used in the sauce.
- For a deeper smoky flavor, opt for a mesquite or hickory flavored BBQ sauce.
- To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for protein.