Description

Craving a sweet, smoky, and satisfying one-pot meal that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or easy meal prep? Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is your answer! Adapted from the original stovetop recipe, this slow cooker version combines tender chicken thighs, fluffy rice, and vibrant mixed vegetables in a rich honey-BBQ sauce, infused with savory spices

Ingredients

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts (1 lb):
- Why it’s important: Juicy, tender protein that absorbs the honey-BBQ sauce and pairs well with rice.
- Substitutions: Chicken drumsticks (increase cooking time slightly), pork tenderloin, or tofu for vegetarian (cook 3–4 hours on low for tofu).
Long-Grain Rice (1 cup):
- Why it’s important: Absorbs the broth and sauce, creating a fluffy, flavorful base.
- Substitutions: Jasmine rice, basmati rice, or brown rice (increase cooking time to 5–6 hours on low and add ½ cup extra broth). Avoid instant rice.
Chicken Broth (2 cups):
- Why it’s important: Cooks the rice and adds savory depth to the dish.
- Substitutions: Vegetable broth, water with a bouillon cube, or low-sodium broth.
BBQ Sauce (½ cup, your choice):
- Why it’s important: Provides smoky, tangy flavor that defines the dish.
- Substitutions: Homemade BBQ sauce, or a mix of ketchup, molasses, and smoked paprika. Use gluten-free BBQ sauce for dietary needs.
Honey (¼ cup):
- Why it’s important: Adds sweetness to balance the tangy BBQ sauce and creates a glossy finish.
- Substitutions: Maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Infuses the dish with warm, savory flavor.
- Substitutions: 2 minced garlic cloves or ½ tsp garlic paste.
Onion Powder (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
- Substitutions: ½ chopped onion or ½ tsp onion flakes.
Smoked Paprika (½ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Brings smoky, earthy notes to enhance the BBQ flavor.
- Substitutions: Regular paprika, chili powder, or a pinch of chipotle powder for heat.
Salt and Pepper (to taste):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the flavors of the chicken, rice, and sauce.
Mixed Vegetables (1 cup, frozen or fresh, e.g., peas, carrots, corn):
- Why it’s important: Adds color, texture, and nutrition to the dish.
- Substitutions: Green beans, bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini (add fresh veggies in the last hour if using low setting).
Chopped Green Onions or Parsley (optional, for garnish):
- Why it’s important: Adds fresh, vibrant color and a mild oniony or herbaceous finish.
- Substitutions: Chives, cilantro, or omit.

Tip: Choose a BBQ sauce you love, as it heavily influences the flavor, and rinse rice before cooking to prevent gumminess.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Optional: For extra flavor, sear the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. This step is optional in the slow cooker version to save time.
Place the seasoned (or seared) chicken in the slow cooker.
Tip: Searing adds depth but can be skipped for simplicity without major flavor loss.

Step 2: Add Rice and Liquids

Add 1 cup rinsed long-grain rice to the slow cooker, spreading it evenly around the chicken.
In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups chicken broth, ½ cup BBQ sauce, and ¼ cup honey until combined.
Pour the liquid mixture over the rice and chicken, stirring gently to ensure the rice is submerged.
Tip: Rinse rice under cold water until clear to prevent it from becoming sticky.

Step 3: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender (165°F/74°C internally) and the rice has absorbed the liquid and is fully cooked.
Check doneness at the lower end of the time to avoid overcooking, as slow cookers vary and rice can become mushy.
Tip: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain consistent heat.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

In the last 30 minutes of cooking (or 15 minutes on high), stir in 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh). If using fresh vegetables like broccoli or zucchini, check for tenderness and add earlier if needed.
Stir gently to combine, cover, and continue cooking until the vegetables are tender.
Tip: Frozen vegetables cook faster, so add them closer to the end to maintain texture.

Step 5: Shred Chicken and Serve

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks (optional; you can also leave it whole or chop it).
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce and rice mixture.
Let the dish sit for 5 minutes to meld flavors, then fluff the rice with a fork.
Serve hot in bowls, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh finish.
Tip: If the sauce is too thin, cook uncovered on high for 10–15 minutes to reduce, or stir in a slurry of 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp water to thicken.