Irresistible Honey BBQ Chicken Rice: Your New Weeknight Favorite!

Introduction

Imagine a dinner that brings instant comfort, bursting with sweet and smoky flavors, yet takes minimal effort. This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe is exactly that. It’s a beloved, simple dish that delivers big on taste without the fuss, making it perfect for busy evenings. Get ready to enjoy a satisfying, family-friendly meal that will quickly become a regular in your kitchen rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

This incredible dish checks all the boxes for a perfect meal.

• Quick & Easy Weeknight Meal: You can have this delicious Honey BBQ Chicken Rice on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s truly a beginner-friendly recipe.
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: Enjoy the ideal combination of sweet honey, smoky BBQ, and savory chicken. Each bite is packed with goodness.
• Customizable Spice Level: Easily adjust the heat to suit your family’s preferences. Add a little or a lot of hot sauce.
• Great for Meal Prepping: Prepare a bigger batch and enjoy delicious lunches or dinners throughout the week. It reheats beautifully.
• Comfort Food for All Ages: This is a wholesome, hearty meal that kids and adults alike will adore. It’s pure comfort in a bowl.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this fantastic Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. You’ll find simple pantry staples combined to make a truly flavorful meal. Using quality ingredients will elevate your dish even further.

For the Honey BBQ Chicken

• 500g boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for heat lovers)

For the Rice

• 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt to taste

Optional Garnishes

• Chopped fresh green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh parsley

Notes & Substitutions

Feel free to adapt this recipe to your pantry or dietary needs. You can easily switch things up!

• Chicken: Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work wonderfully. Chicken tenders are also a great quick-cooking option.
• Rice: For a healthier alternative, try brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice. Adjust cooking times as needed for these options.
• BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought brand for convenience, or try a homemade BBQ sauce if you have one. The flavor profile is up to you!
• Spice: If you crave more heat, don’t hesitate to increase the hot sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken.
• Dietary: Make it gluten-free by using a certified GF BBQ sauce and tamari instead of soy sauce. Omit the butter for a dairy-free version.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need many fancy tools to whip up this amazing Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. Just a few kitchen basics will get the job done.

• Large skillet
• Medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this delicious Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect meal every time.

1. Prepare the Rice: Start by rinsing your rice under cold water until the water runs clear. As Real Simple explains, rinsing rice helps remove starches and impurities for a better texture. This helps remove excess starch, ensuring you get fluffy rice instead of sticky clumps. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of water (or broth), your rinsed rice, butter, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. Do not lift the lid during this time. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it rest, still covered, for 5 minutes. Finally, fluff the cooked rice gently with a fork and set it aside. This method yields perfectly fluffy rice for your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice.
2. Season the Chicken: While the rice cooks, prepare your chicken. In a medium bowl, toss your bite-sized chicken pieces with the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every piece is evenly coated with the seasonings for maximum flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Sear the chicken until it’s golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes, depending on the size of your pieces. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, ensuring a good sear.
4. Prepare the Honey BBQ Sauce: While the chicken is searing, whisk together your BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and the optional hot sauce in a small bowl. Give it a quick taste and adjust the flavors to your liking. If you prefer it sweeter, add a touch more honey; for extra heat, go a little heavier on the hot sauce. This sauce is what makes the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice so special.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once your chicken is nicely browned and cooked, reduce the heat under the skillet to medium-low. Pour the prepared honey BBQ sauce directly over the cooked chicken. Stir everything together gently to ensure all the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated with the delicious, glossy sauce. Let it simmer for just 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the chicken, becoming wonderfully sticky and flavorful.
6. Serve: Spoon a generous portion of the fluffy rice onto your plates or into bowls. Top the rice with the sweet and smoky saucy chicken. Garnish your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice with chopped green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, easy meal!

Pro Tips for Success

Achieve perfect results every time with these simple pro tips for your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice.

• Chicken Prep: Always pat your chicken pieces dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps achieve a better sear and creates a delicious golden crust.
• Rice Technique: Resist the urge to lift the lid while the rice simmers. Trapping the steam is crucial for achieving perfectly cooked, fluffy rice.
• Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker, stickier sauce, simply simmer it for an extra minute or two. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
• Prevent Sticking: Stir the chicken frequently while it cooks in the sauce. This ensures even coating and prevents the sauce from sticking to the pan.
• Flavor Depth: For an even deeper flavor in your chicken, marinate the seasoned pieces in the BBQ sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations

This versatile Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is delicious on its own, but also pairs well with other sides.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside some vibrant steamed vegetables like broccoli florets, sweet corn, or green beans for added nutrition.
• Pair it with a crisp side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Get creative and use the flavorful chicken mixture inside soft tortillas for unique wraps or tacos.

Storage & Meal Prep

• Refrigerate any leftover Honey BBQ Chicken Rice in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The USDA provides essential guidelines for safely handling leftovers to prevent foodborne illness.
• For the best texture, consider storing the cooked chicken and rice separately. This helps prevent the rice from becoming too soggy.
• Reheat leftovers in the microwave until warmed through, or gently in a skillet on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.
• You can also freeze the cooked honey BBQ chicken in its sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and cook fresh rice when ready to serve.

Recipe Variations

• Protein Swaps: Don’t limit yourself to chicken! This recipe works wonderfully with pork tenderloin, thinly sliced beef, firm tofu, or even shrimp. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Boost the veggie content by tossing in colorful bell peppers, sliced onions, or even some sweet pineapple chunks with the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, significantly increase the hot sauce, or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when seasoning the chicken.
• Sweetness Adjustment: Easily control the sweetness. Use more honey for a sweeter sauce, or less if you prefer a more savory profile.
• Asian Twist: Add a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger and a drizzle of sesame oil to the sauce for an aromatic Asian-inspired flavor. A touch of Sriracha can replace or complement the hot sauce.

Nutritional Information (Estimated per Serving)

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. Please remember these are approximations and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions about making this fantastic Honey BBQ Chicken Rice.

• Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
  • A: Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice and often add more moisture and flavor to the dish.
• Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
  • A: To increase the heat, simply add more hot sauce to the BBQ mixture, or incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes with the chicken seasonings.
• Q: What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
  • A: The best BBQ sauce is your favorite one! Choose a store-bought brand you love, or use a homemade sauce based on your preferred flavor profile.
• Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of searing it?
  • A: Yes, you can bake the chicken. Toss the seasoned chicken with about half the BBQ sauce mixture and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until cooked through, then toss with the remaining sauce.
• Q: How do I ensure my rice is fluffy and not sticky?
  • A: Rinse your rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Use the proper water-to-rice ratio, and allow the rice to rest, covered, for 5 minutes after cooking.

Conclusion

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice truly is a game-changer for anyone seeking a quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal. Its combination of sweet, smoky, and savory notes makes it a standout dish that’s both versatile and comforting. We hope you’re excited to try this easy recipe and make it a staple in your home. Get ready to enjoy a delicious, stress-free dinner that your whole family will love on busy weeknights!

Irresistible Honey BBQ Chicken Rice: Your New Weeknight Favorite!

This quick and easy recipe features tender chicken coated in a sticky honey BBQ sauce, served over fluffy rice, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 500

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 500 g boneless chicken breast or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 0.5 cup BBQ sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce optional, for heat lovers

For the Rice

• 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt to taste

Garnish

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh parsley

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Large Skillet
• Mixing Bowls
• Fork

Method

 

Cooking Steps

1. Rinse rice under cold water until clear, then bring 2 cups of water or broth to a boil in a saucepan with the rinsed rice, butter, and a pinch of salt. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed; remove from heat, let rest covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
2. In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the seasoned chicken and sear until golden on all sides and fully cooked through (6-8 minutes).
3. While the chicken cooks, combine BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and optional hot sauce in a small bowl, then taste and adjust for sweetness or heat.
4. Once chicken is browned, reduce heat to medium and pour the honey BBQ sauce over the chicken, stirring to coat evenly; simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes sticky and glossy.
5. Serve a generous portion of the fluffed rice in a bowl or on a plate, top with the sweet and smoky chicken, and garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh parsley.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices for 30 minutes before cooking. Adjust the hot sauce to your preferred spice level.