Description
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe is packed with bold, sweet, and smoky flavors. Tender chicken thighs coated in honey BBQ sauce are served over fluffy rice, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup Honey BBQ Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Honey BBQ Sauce (Homemade):
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- For the Rice:
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- For Serving (Optional):
- Chopped green onions, sesame seeds, corn kernels, black beans, shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking chicken, or heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- In a bowl, combine all chicken seasonings and toss chicken pieces until evenly coated.
- Cook chicken in skillet or bake until fully cooked and golden, about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- For homemade Honey BBQ sauce: combine all sauce ingredients in a small saucepan, simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour over cooked chicken.
- Meanwhile, cook rice in chicken broth with butter and salt according to package instructions.
- Serve chicken over rice, drizzle with extra Honey BBQ sauce, and garnish with optional toppings.
Notes
- Chicken can be grilled for extra smoky flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level.
- Leftovers reheat well for meal prep or next-day lunches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop/Baking
- Cuisine: American