Ingredients
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients, especially the quality of your chicken and the balance of your BBQ sauce. I always opt for fresh, skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy and tender, perfect for absorbing the honey BBQ glaze. When it comes to rice, jasmine or basmati adds a fragrant backdrop without competing with the sauce. And don’t be afraid to use good-quality honey and barbecue sauce—you’ll notice the difference instantly.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
- 1/3 cup barbecue sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth (for cooking rice)
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions or sesame seeds
If you’d like a lighter option, chicken breast works well too, though it can dry out faster. For a gluten-free twist, double-check your BBQ sauce labels or make your own with tamari and honey.
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then combine with water or chicken broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and let it steam for 5 minutes.
- While the rice cooks, prepare the chicken by patting it dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to add depth—a trick I picked up working in restaurant kitchens.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium, add minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the barbecue sauce and honey, letting the mixture bubble gently for 2-3 minutes. This slow simmer lets the sauce thicken and the flavors marry beautifully.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it thoroughly with the honey BBQ glaze. Let it cook for another 2 minutes so the chicken absorbs that sticky goodness.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve the glazed chicken over a bed of rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if you like a little extra color and crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
