Description
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a vibrant, hearty dish combining tender chicken thighs glazed in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, served over fluffy white or jasmine rice. Quick to prepare and family-friendly, this meal balances protein, carbs, and veggies for a nutritionally complete and satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in recommended for juiciness)
- 1 cup white or jasmine rice (or brown rice for a nutty flavor)
- 3 tablespoons honey BBQ sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then cook it according to package instructions to achieve fluffy grains that absorb the sauce perfectly.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the finely chopped garlic and onion. Cook until fragrant and translucent to build the base flavor of the dish.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook over medium heat until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the diced bell peppers, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly but remain crisp and vibrant in color.
- Glaze with honey BBQ sauce: Pour the honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and vegetables, tossing evenly to coat. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-5 minutes to meld flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
- Serve over rice: Spoon the honey BBQ chicken and vegetable mixture over the freshly cooked rice, ensuring each serving is generously sauced and full of sweet and smoky flavor.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- Simmer sauce gently to avoid burning or over-thickening.
- Prep vegetables and aromatics ahead of time to speed up cooking.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the BBQ sauce to customize sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, quick dinner, family meal, sweet and smoky chicken, easy weeknight recipe, gluten-free, one-pan chicken dish
