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Irresistible Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe You Need to Try - Featured Image

Irresistible Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe You Need to Try

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Learn how to make delicious Honey BBQ Chicken Rice. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Lower the heat to medium, add minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International