Description
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a deliciously flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender, marinated chicken cooked in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, served over buttery toasted long grain rice simmered to perfection. This easy recipe balances a perfectly cooked chicken breast with aromatic spices and a savory rice base, making it a comforting and satisfying meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 1 cup (250ml) honey
- 1 cup (250ml) BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
Rice and Cooking
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups (400g) long grain rice
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth or water
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine honey, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Toast the Rice: In the same skillet, melt butter over low heat. Add the rice and stir to coat it evenly. Cook for about 2 minutes until the rice is slightly toasted and fragrant.
- Simmer the Rice: Pour chicken broth or water into the skillet with the rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is fully absorbed.
- Combine and Warm: Once rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork, then stir in the cooked chicken. Let the mixture heat through for 2-3 minutes on low heat.
- Serve: Plate the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice hot, garnished with chopped green onions and fresh parsley for added freshness and color.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer than 30 minutes can enhance the flavor even more.
- You can substitute chicken broth with water for a lighter version.
- Adjust the level of BBQ sauce and honey to your desired sweetness and tanginess.
- For a spicier kick, add some chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- Make sure to fluff the rice gently to avoid breaking the grains.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; reheat gently before serving.
