This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice comes together in about 30 minutes and is cooked all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! Trust me, this dish is a crowd-pleaser, so put on your apron and let’s get cooking!
Ingredient Breakdown
- 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
- 1 cup Long-Grain Rice
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- 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
- 1 cup Mixed Vegetables (Optional)
- Chopped Green Onions for Garnish
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Season the Chicken : Ahh, the first step is so easy! Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure to coat them well on both sides, this is what brings flavor right from the get-go.
Sear the Chicken : Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. When it’s nice and hot, sear the chicken thighs for 3–4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. You want that crispy exterior! Remove the chicken and set it aside (don’t worry, it’ll go back in soon!).
Mix the Sauce : In a bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, and a hint of soy sauce for that umami punch. I’m telling you, this combo is pure magic! If you love garlic like I do, add a couple of minced cloves to the mix oh, the aroma!
Toast the Rice : In the same pan (yes, we’re scraping up all those yummy bits!), toss in the uncooked rice and toast it for about 1–2 minutes. This step adds a nutty flavor to the rice and is totally worth it!
Add the Liquid : Pour in the chicken broth and half of your BBQ sauce mixture, give it a good stir to combine! You want all that deliciousness mixing together.
Return the Chicken : Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pan, then pour the remaining sauce on top. Oh, it’s about to get really good! Cover the skillet and bring everything to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Simmer Away : Let this simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. The smell wafting through your kitchen? Simply divine! Seriously, your family will come running.
Add the Veggies : After the rice is cooked, toss in those mixed vegetables and cover the skillet again. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the veggies are nice and warm, and the rice is perfectly fluffy.
Final Touches : Once everything is cooked, let it sit for 5 minutes off the heat. This helps the flavors meld together. Then, dive in and garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I need something quick, comforting, and satisfying! I’m a real sucker for one-pot meals—they make cleanup a breeze and are packed with flavor. Plus, this dish is so versatile; you can use whatever you have on hand! The best part is that even my picky 8-year-old asked for seconds, which is a major win in my book!
If you loved this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, be sure to check out my delicious Caribbean Chicken and Rice, my Best Smothered Chicken and Rice, or my family-favorite Pineapple Rice!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This dish comes together in under 30 minutes. Seriously, it’s that fast! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you barely have time to cook.
One Pot
Who doesn’t love minimal cleanup? Everything cooks in one pot, from your protein to the starch and even the veggies, relaxing evenings are ahead!
Comfort Food
Loaded with tons of flavor, it’s the ultimate comfort food. The sweet and smoky balance in the sauce pairs so perfectly with the tender chicken and fluffy rice.
Customizable
Like I mentioned earlier, you can use whatever ingredients you have. Got some leftover veggies? Toss them in! No chicken? Try tofu or chickpeas instead, it’s super flexible.
Family Friendly
You just can’t go wrong with this dish; the whole family will love it! It checks all the boxes easy, delicious, and impressive enough to serve to guests if you feel like being fancy!
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Dish
Serve this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice on its own, or on a bed of fresh greens for a light twist. Pair it with a light salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal. Honestly, you can’t go wrong!
Storage
It lasts in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, so it’s perfect for leftovers! Just make sure it’s in an airtight container.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Adding a splash of chicken broth helps revive the flavors!
Freezer Friendly
Yes, this dish is freezer-friendly! Just portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers and store for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is sure to become a staple in your household. It perfectly balances ease and flavor, making busy weeknights a little brighter. So, what are you waiting for? Go gather those ingredients and let’s make some dinner! Remember, cooking is all about having fun and making memories, happy cooking, friends! Follow LunaChef on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration and air fryer cooking tips.
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Ingredients
Method
- Season the chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the chicken thighs for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown, then remove from skillet.
- In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, honey, and a hint of soy sauce if desired.
- In the same skillet, toast the uncooked rice for about 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and half of the BBQ sauce mixture, stirring to combine.
- Return the seared chicken thighs to the pan and pour the remaining sauce on top. Cover and bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Add mixed vegetables and cover again, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Let sit off heat for 5 minutes before serving, garnished with chopped green onions.