Description
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken glazed with a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, served atop fluffy rice. Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and loved by the whole family. This versatile recipe can be customized with various ingredients and dietary preferences, making it a go-to meal that balances protein, carbs, and rich flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 chicken breasts or thighs (about 1 lb)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (choose gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Rice
- 1 cup white jasmine or basmati rice (or brown rice for variation)
- 2 cups water or as per package instructions
Optional Garnishes
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This rub enhances flavor and prepares the chicken for glazing.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Glaze with honey BBQ sauce: When the chicken is almost cooked, brush all sides generously with the honey BBQ sauce. Allow the sauce to caramelize for 2-3 minutes, turning the chicken to coat evenly.
- Prepare the rice: While the chicken cooks, cook the rice according to the package instructions. Once done, fluff with a fork and keep warm.
- Assemble and serve: Slice the glazed chicken and arrange it atop a mound of rice. Drizzle additional honey BBQ sauce over the top and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful meat.
- Apply honey BBQ sauce liberally to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Allow cooked chicken to rest a few minutes before slicing to lock in juices.
- Choose slightly sticky rice varieties like jasmine or basmati to better hold the sauce.
- Make extra honey BBQ sauce to drizzle over chicken and rice for added indulgence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg