Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice
This Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice is a smoky, sweet, and savory one-pan dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes. Juicy seared chicken simmers with fluffy rice, honey, and BBQ sauce so every grain absorbs bold, comforting flavor.
Equipment
- large skillet with lid
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed well
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, or corn)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- sliced green onions or fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken with half of the spice blend. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining olive oil and rinsed rice to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1–2 minutes until lightly toasted. Stir in the remaining spice blend.
- Pour in chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice. Cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Quickly scatter the mixed vegetables over the top, cover again, and cook for 5 more minutes. Turn off the heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork to combine everything evenly. Garnish with green onions or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Rinsing and lightly toasting the rice before simmering ensures fluffy, separate grains instead of a gummy texture.