Description

Craving a one-pan meal that’s sweet, smoky, and packed with comfort? Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is your answer! This dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant mixed vegetables in a sticky, flavorful honey BBQ sauce, all cooked together for maximum ease and taste

Ingredients

Protein

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts (1 lb):
- Why it’s important: Provides tender, juicy protein that pairs perfectly with the sweet BBQ sauce.
- Substitutions: Chicken tenders, turkey cutlets, or tofu for a vegetarian option (adjust cooking time for tofu).

Grains

Long-Grain Rice (1 cup, uncooked):
- Why it’s important: Forms the fluffy, absorbent base that soaks up the sauce and broth.
- Substitutions: Jasmine rice, basmati, or brown rice (increase broth and cooking time for brown rice by 10–15 minutes).

Liquids

Chicken Broth (2 cups):
- Why it’s important: Cooks the rice and infuses it with savory flavor.
- Substitutions: Vegetable broth, water with a bouillon cube, or low-sodium broth.

Sauces

BBQ Sauce (½ cup, your choice):
- Why it’s important: Adds smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
- Substitutions: Homemade BBQ sauce, a mix of ketchup and molasses with spices, or a spicy BBQ sauce for heat.
Honey (¼ cup):
- Why it’s important: Brings sticky sweetness to balance the BBQ sauce’s tang.
- Substitutions: Maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar.

Spices

Garlic Powder (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds savory depth to the chicken.
- Substitutions: Fresh minced garlic (2 cloves) or onion powder.
Onion Powder (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the savory, umami flavors.
- Substitutions: Fresh minced onion (¼ cup) or garlic powder.
Smoked Paprika (½ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Brings a smoky, earthy note to the chicken.
- Substitutions: Regular paprika or chili powder for a spicier kick.
Salt and Pepper (to taste):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the flavors of the chicken and rice.

Vegetables

Mixed Vegetables (1 cup, frozen or fresh):
- Why it’s important: Adds color, texture, and nutrition to the dish.
- Substitutions: Peas, carrots, corn, green beans, or broccoli (chop fresh veggies small for even cooking).

Garnish (Optional)

Chopped Green Onions or Parsley:
- Why it’s important: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and a pop of color.
- Substitutions: Chives, cilantro, or omit.

Tip: Choose a BBQ sauce you love (sweet, smoky, or spicy) to customize the flavor, and use fresh vegetables for a crisper texture if time allows.

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Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper.
Heat a large skillet or deep pan (with a lid) over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil (1–2 tsp).
Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet.
Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure a good sear; cook in batches if needed.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

In the same pan, add 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice. Toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, to enhance flavor.
Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, then stir in ½ cup BBQ sauce and ¼ cup honey until combined.
Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the chicken for extra flavor in the rice.

Step 3: Simmer Everything Together

Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Tip: Check that the liquid is at a low simmer to avoid burning the rice.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

After 15 minutes, uncover and sprinkle 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh) over the rice.
Cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender, the vegetables are cooked, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Tip: If using fresh vegetables, cut them small to ensure they cook through quickly.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Remove from heat and let the dish sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.
Fluff the rice with a fork and gently mix the vegetables and chicken.
Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Tip: Slice or shred the chicken before serving for easier eating, if preferred.