Description
How to make honey BBQ chicken rice with tender chicken, sweet glaze and fluffy rice that creates the perfect one-bowl comfort meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Rice Base
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice, rinsed
- 2 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Honey BBQ Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry and season generously with salt and pepper. This helps create better browning and ensures the chicken is well-seasoned throughout.
- Brown Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion to the chicken and cook 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Whisk together honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Pour over chicken and stir to coat everything evenly.
- Add Rice: Stir in rinsed rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. The rice should be just covered.
- Simmer Together: Cook covered for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Don’t lift the lid during cooking or steam escapes.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, garnish with green onions, and serve this comforting meal immediately.
Notes
- Don’t skip patting the chicken dry – it’s essential for proper browning and flavor development.
- Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for best quality and food safety.
- Substitute brown rice but add 10 extra minutes cooking time and 1/2 cup more broth for proper texture.
- Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and most satisfying comfort food experience.
- Rinse jasmine rice until water runs clear to prevent gummy, sticky texture in the final dish.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving since different BBQ sauces have varying salt and spice levels.
Allergy Information: Soy
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Protein: 32g