Description
Ingredient Notes
Here’s what makes this dish so flavorful (and flexible!):
- Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Thighs add more juiciness, while breasts are leaner.
- BBQ Sauce – Choose your favorite store-bought brand or make homemade. A smoky or hickory BBQ pairs well with honey.
- Honey – The star ingredient that adds natural sweetness and balances the tanginess of BBQ sauce.
- Rice – Long-grain white rice is traditional, but jasmine or basmati work too. For a healthier option, use brown rice (just adjust cooking time).
- Garlic & Onion – Essential aromatics for depth of flavor.
- Chicken Broth – Infuses rice with savory flavor.
- Olive Oil or Butter – For sautéing and adding richness.
- Optional Veggies – Bell peppers, corn, or peas can be stirred in for added nutrition.
Substitutions:
- Swap honey with maple syrup or brown sugar.
- Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- For a spicy kick, add hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice (jasmine or basmati recommended)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (smoky style)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken, season with salt & pepper, and cook until golden brown (about 5–6 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant (2 minutes).
- Stir in uncooked rice, coating it with oil and aromatics.
- Pour in chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Stir well to combine.
- Return chicken to the pot, cover with lid, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 18–20 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff rice with a fork, garnish with parsley or green onions, and serve warm.
Notes
Tips & Variations
- 🔥 Make it Spicy – Add chipotle powder, chili flakes, or hot sauce.
- 🌱 Vegetarian Option – Swap chicken with chickpeas or tofu.
- 🥦 Veggie Boost – Stir in corn, peas, or bell peppers during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- 🧀 Cheesy Twist – Mix in shredded cheddar or mozzarella for extra comfort.
- 🥢 Asian-Inspired – Swap BBQ sauce with teriyaki sauce and honey for a fusion spin.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Not rinsing rice – Leads to sticky, gummy texture. Always rinse before cooking.
- ❌ Too much liquid – Measure broth carefully, or rice will turn mushy.
- ❌ Overcooking chicken – Brown it lightly first, but let it finish cooking with rice to stay juicy.
- ❌ Skipping the rest time – Let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes before serving.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth or water to prevent dryness.
Serving Suggestions
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with:
- A crisp green salad with ranch dressing.
- Garlic bread or cornbread for extra comfort.
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini.
- A refreshing iced tea or lemonade to balance the sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop (One-Pot)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg