Honey BBQ Chicken Rice – A Sweet & Savory One-Pan Wonder 🍗🍚
If you're craving a comforting, sweet, smoky, and slightly tangy dish that comes together in one pot, this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is the recipe you need. Combining the richness of boneless chicken with the bold flavor of BBQ sauce and the sweetness of honey, it's a family-friendly meal made for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you want to bring big flavor with little fuss. 😋🔥
With pantry-friendly ingredients and frozen or fresh veggies, this recipe is as flexible as it is delicious. The rice simmers in chicken broth, absorbing every drop of savory-sweet flavor, while the smoked paprika and onion powder bring depth and warmth to every bite.
Ingredients
🐔 Viandes:
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts boneless, skinless
🧄 Fruits et légumes:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 green onion or fresh parsley for garnish
🥫 Conserves:
- 2 cups chicken broth
🍯 Condiments:
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey
🍚 Pâtes et céréales:
- 1 cup long-grain rice
🌶 Aides culinaires et épices:
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
❄️ Surgelés:
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables or fresh
Instructions
🔪 Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Set aside while prepping other ingredients.
🍳 Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and nearly cooked through.
- Remove and set aside.
🥘 Step 3: Add the Rice & Veggies
- In the same pan, add the rice and sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the frozen (or fresh) vegetables.
🍯 Step 4: Simmer in Sweet BBQ Bliss
- Stir in the BBQ sauce and honey until well combined.
- Add the seared chicken back into the pan.
- Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
🌿 Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Fluff the rice and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy the sweet BBQ goodness! 🥄✨
Notes
🌟 Variations
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce to the honey-BBQ mix. Cheesy Finish: Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar just before serving. Pineapple Twist: Mix in ½ cup of diced pineapple for a tropical tang. Low Carb Swap: Use cauliflower rice instead of long-grain rice (reduce liquid). Tex-Mex Style: Top with avocado, black beans, and a squeeze of lime. ❄️ Storage & Reheating
🧊 To Store:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. 🔥 To Reheat:
Microwave in a bowl covered with a damp paper towel for 1–2 minutes. Or reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the rice. ❓ 10 Most Common FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Just skip the searing step and stir it in when adding the BBQ and broth. 2. What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
Use your favorite! Sweet, smoky, or spicy BBQ all work well depending on your taste. 3. Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by 10–15 minutes and add ½ cup extra broth. 4. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use plant-based protein or just double the veggies and use veggie broth. 5. What if my rice isn’t fully cooked?
Cover and cook for another 5 minutes, adding a splash of broth if needed. 6. Can I make it in a rice cooker?
Yes! Sear the chicken separately, then add everything to the rice cooker and follow its standard settings. 7. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just ensure your pot is large enough and adjust cook time by a few extra minutes. 8. Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen or thaw overnight. 9. Can I use another grain?
Quinoa or orzo pasta both work—just adjust the liquid and cook time accordingly. 10. Can I add cheese?
Yes, mix in or top with shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack before serving. 🏁 Conclusion
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice brings together the best of both worlds—sweet and savory, hearty and healthy, easy and crowd-pleasing. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight family dinner or prepping lunch for the week, this one-pan wonder will leave everyone satisfied. With just a few ingredients, minimal cleanup, and explosive flavor, this dish proves that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. 🍯🔥🥄 Make it once, and it’ll be on your menu again and again. Happy cooking! 🍴💛
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce to the honey-BBQ mix. Cheesy Finish: Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar just before serving. Pineapple Twist: Mix in ½ cup of diced pineapple for a tropical tang. Low Carb Swap: Use cauliflower rice instead of long-grain rice (reduce liquid). Tex-Mex Style: Top with avocado, black beans, and a squeeze of lime. ❄️ Storage & Reheating
🧊 To Store:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. 🔥 To Reheat:
Microwave in a bowl covered with a damp paper towel for 1–2 minutes. Or reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the rice. ❓ 10 Most Common FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Just skip the searing step and stir it in when adding the BBQ and broth. 2. What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
Use your favorite! Sweet, smoky, or spicy BBQ all work well depending on your taste. 3. Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by 10–15 minutes and add ½ cup extra broth. 4. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use plant-based protein or just double the veggies and use veggie broth. 5. What if my rice isn’t fully cooked?
Cover and cook for another 5 minutes, adding a splash of broth if needed. 6. Can I make it in a rice cooker?
Yes! Sear the chicken separately, then add everything to the rice cooker and follow its standard settings. 7. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just ensure your pot is large enough and adjust cook time by a few extra minutes. 8. Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen or thaw overnight. 9. Can I use another grain?
Quinoa or orzo pasta both work—just adjust the liquid and cook time accordingly. 10. Can I add cheese?
Yes, mix in or top with shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack before serving. 🏁 Conclusion
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice brings together the best of both worlds—sweet and savory, hearty and healthy, easy and crowd-pleasing. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight family dinner or prepping lunch for the week, this one-pan wonder will leave everyone satisfied. With just a few ingredients, minimal cleanup, and explosive flavor, this dish proves that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. 🍯🔥🥄 Make it once, and it’ll be on your menu again and again. Happy cooking! 🍴💛