Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice (Printable)

A vibrant family-friendly dish featuring tender chicken in honey BBQ sauce with fluffy rice and colorful 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 including bell peppers, peas, and carrots

# Directions:

01 - Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil if needed. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until lightly browned.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce and honey. 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 - In the final 5 minutes of cooking, scatter mixed vegetables on top. 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 youre not juggling pots while hungry kids hover.
  • The honey BBQ glaze makes plain chicken taste like you planned something special all along.
  • Rice comes out fluffy and flavorful without any extra steps or watching.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully and somehow taste even better the next day.
02 -
  • Dont lift the lid during the 20 minute simmer or youll let out steam and end up with crunchy rice.
  • If your rice is still too firm after the timer, add a splash more broth, cover again, and give it another 3 to 5 minutes on low heat.
  • Use a pan with a good fitting lid, a loose one lets too much moisture escape and throws off the cooking.
03 -
  • A splash of apple cider vinegar in the honey BBQ sauce adds tang and cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
  • For a smoky kick, add an extra pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
  • If you want crispy edges on the chicken, sear it a minute longer before adding the sauce.
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