Description
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make recipe featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a homemade honey BBQ sauce, served over perfectly cooked fragrant long-grain rice. This dish balances sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors, making it a delicious comfort meal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Honey BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Rice
- 2 cups long-grain rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Garnishes
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Honey BBQ Sauce: In a medium saucepan, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and gently simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
- Adjust Sauce Seasoning: Taste the sauce and modify sweetness, tanginess, or heat as desired by adding extra honey, apple cider vinegar, or cayenne pepper. Remove from heat and let cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate up to one week.
- Prepare and Marinate Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry and cut into 1-inch pieces. In a large bowl, combine chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate and enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken in a single layer without overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary. Sear chicken pieces on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side, developing a rich crust.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Pour prepared Honey BBQ sauce over the browned chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat thoroughly. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender. Check that internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Optional Shred: For extra tenderness, shred the cooked chicken directly in the skillet using two forks, mixing it with the sauce for easy serving.
- Cook the Rice: Rinse rice under cold water to remove excess starch. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice, chicken broth (or water), butter or olive oil, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Rest and Fluff Rice: Remove saucepan from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5-10 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork to separate grains before serving.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the cooked rice into bowls, top generously with Honey BBQ chicken and spoon over extra sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer than 30 minutes (up to a few hours) will deepen the flavor.
- The honey BBQ sauce can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to a week.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level or omit for mild flavor.
- Use chicken broth for rice to add more flavor; water can be used as a substitute.
- Allowing the rice to rest after cooking improves texture and fluffiness.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure Worcestershire sauce and ketchup are gluten-free brands.
