Honey BBQ Chicken Rice (Print Version)

A vibrant skillet meal featuring chicken glazed in honey BBQ sauce served over fluffy rice with mixed vegetables.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - Salt and pepper to taste
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
05 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

→ Sauce

06 - ½ cup BBQ sauce
07 - ¼ cup honey

→ Rice & Vegetables

08 - 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
09 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, peas, carrots; fresh or frozen)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a light drizzle of oil. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until lightly browned.
03 - Whisk together BBQ sauce and honey in a small bowl. Pour mixture over chicken and stir to coat evenly.
04 - Add rinsed rice and chicken broth to the pan. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
05 - Bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and cook for 20 minutes.
06 - Scatter mixed vegetables on top in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Cover and steam until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
07 - Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice gently with a fork before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup takes less time than the meal itself.
  • The honey BBQ glaze caramelizes just enough to coat every grain of rice with sticky, smoky sweetness.
  • You can swap vegetables based on whats in your crisper drawer without sacrificing flavor.
  • It reheats beautifully for next-day lunches when you need something hearty and satisfying.
02 -
  • Do not lift the lid during the 20-minute simmer or steam escapes and the rice turns out crunchy in spots.
  • If your rice seems dry before the timer ends, add a splash of broth and cover again for a few more minutes.
  • Let the dish rest after cooking, this final steaming step makes the texture perfect and prevents mushy grains.
03 -
  • Use dark meat chicken for foolproof juiciness, especially if you are new to one-pan cooking.
  • Rinse your rice until the water runs clear to prevent clumping and ensure fluffy grains.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving to cut through the sweetness and brighten every bite.
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