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Delicious Honey BBQ Chicken Rice bowl topped with veggies and smoky sauce.

Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice

A cozy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, sticky honey BBQ sauce, and fluffy rice, perfect for family dinners and meal prep.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Boneless skinless chicken thighs Can substitute chicken breasts
  • 1 cup Long grain white rice Jasmine rice or brown rice can be used
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce Choose your favorite brand
  • 1/4 cup Honey Maple syrup can be used as a substitute
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced Garlic powder can be used in a pinch
  • 1 small Onion, diced Yellow, white, or red onion works
  • 2 cups Chicken broth Water can be used with extra salt
  • 1 tbsp Vinegar Apple cider or white vinegar brightens the sauce
  • 1 tbsp Butter or oil For cooking the chicken and onions
Spices
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika Add more for extra flavor
  • to taste Chili flakes For added heat, optional

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. Pat the chicken dry and cut into bite-sized pieces or leave whole.
  2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, honey, minced garlic, and vinegar. Set half aside for glazing, and marinate the chicken in the rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
Cook the Rice
  1. Rinse the rice until the water runs mostly clear to remove extra starch.
  2. In a medium pot, melt butter or warm oil over medium heat.
  3. Add diced onion and a pinch of salt, cooking until soft and fragrant.
  4. Add the rinsed rice, stir to coat, then pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until liquid is absorbed and grains are tender. Fluff with a fork and keep covered off heat.
Sear and Finish the Chicken
  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a thin layer of oil.
  2. Shake excess marinade off the chicken and sear in batches, ensuring the pan is not overcrowded.
  3. Once cooked through, reduce heat and add the reserved glazing sauce, cooking until thickened and glossy.
Serve
  1. Scoop rice into bowls and top with honey BBQ chicken.
  2. Spoon any extra sauce from the skillet over the rice. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.

Notes

Chicken thighs are preferred for their tenderness. Rinse rice for fluffiness, and adjust sauce to taste as desired. Store leftovers properly.