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Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Discover the perfect weeknight meal with this easy and flavorful Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe. Quick, delicious, and packed with smoky-sweet goodness!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken and BBQ Glaze:

  • Chicken breasts or thighs about 4 medium-sized pieces – Chicken thighs give you more flavor, but breasts work great too!
  • Honey 1/4 cup – This gives the BBQ sauce a rich, sweet kick that balances the tangy flavors.
  • BBQ sauce 1/2 cup – Go for a smoky or tangy BBQ sauce that you love; it’ll blend wonderfully with the honey.
  • Olive oil for cooking – To keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.
  • Garlic powder 1 tsp – Adds a layer of savory depth to the BBQ glaze.
  • Onion powder 1 tsp – Enhances the overall flavor profile.

For the Rice:

  • Long-grain white rice 1 ½ cups – Fluffy rice is perfect for soaking up all that delicious glaze!
  • Chicken broth 3 cups – To cook the rice and infuse it with savory flavor. You can also use water if you don’t have broth on hand, but the broth really amps up the flavor.
  • Salt and pepper – To taste seasoning the rice for extra flavor.

Optional Garnishes:

  • Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro – To sprinkle on top for a pop of color and freshness.
  • Sliced green onions – Adds a mild tangy crunch that complements the dish beautifully.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  • Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts (or thighs) dry with paper towels. This helps them sear better and prevents excess moisture.
  • Season the Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This seasoning mix enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
  • Cook the Chicken: Heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F or 75°C).
  • Make the BBQ Glaze: In a small bowl, combine honey and BBQ sauce. Once the chicken is done cooking, pour the glaze over the chicken and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to let the sauce thicken and coat the chicken evenly. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

  • Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, stir, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  • Fluff the Rice: Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

  • Serve: Place a generous serving of fluffy rice on a plate. Top with the BBQ chicken and pour any remaining glaze over the top for that extra layer of flavor.
  • Optional Garnishes: For a fresh pop of color and flavor, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or green onions.

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving):
  • Calories: 450
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Carbohydrates: 47g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Protein: 34g