Description
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender, marinated chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, served over perfectly cooked rice with optional mixed vegetables. This easy-to-make meal combines the richness of BBQ flavors with the heartiness of rice for a satisfying dinner that can be grilled, pan-seared, or baked to suit your preference.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice and Vegetables
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs. In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, coating them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Cook the chicken: Choose your preferred cooking method: Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through; or pan-sear in a skillet with a bit of oil for 5-6 minutes per side; or bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the rice: In a saucepan, combine the long-grain rice and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let simmer gently for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.
- Add vegetables (optional): If using mixed vegetables, add them to the rice during the last 5 minutes of cooking to steam, or alternatively, sauté them separately and then stir into the fluffed rice to warm through.
- Assemble the dish: Spoon the cooked rice into serving bowls, top with the sliced Honey BBQ chicken and steamed or sautéed vegetables if using. Garnish generously with chopped green onions and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce or honey if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer (up to 4 hours) for more intense flavor.
- Use chicken breasts if preferred, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- Mixed vegetables can include peas, carrots, corn, or bell peppers based on preference.
- For an extra smoky flavor, grilling is recommended.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
