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Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken glazed with sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce served over a fluffy bed of long grain rice. This easy-to-make recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights, and highly customizable to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Protein

  • Chicken breasts or thighs – 1 lb (about 450g), boneless and skinless
  • Honey BBQ sauce – ½ cup (120ml)

Rice

  • Long grain rice – 1 cup (200g)

Aromatics

  • Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
  • Onion – 1 medium, diced

Vegetables (Optional)

  • Bell peppers or other veggies – 1 cup, chopped

Cooking Fats & Seasoning

  • Olive oil or butter – 2 tablespoons
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice: Cook the long grain rice according to the package instructions, ensuring the grains come out fluffy and separated to serve as the perfect base for the chicken.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: While the rice cooks, heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent to build a flavorful foundation.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, locking in juices for tender bites.
  4. Add Honey BBQ Sauce: Pour the honey BBQ sauce over the cooked chicken, stirring gently to coat evenly. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken absorbs all the flavors.
  5. Combine and Serve: Spoon the saucy chicken over the bed of rice. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro, sliced green onions, or toasted sesame seeds for added freshness and presentation.

Notes

  • Choose chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat or breasts for a leaner option.
  • Be careful not to overcook the rice to maintain a fluffy texture that balances the saucy chicken.
  • Consider making your own honey BBQ sauce to control sweetness and freshness.
  • Marinate chicken in some sauce prior to cooking for extra flavor depth.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley for bright color and fresh taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, Chicken Rice Bowl, Easy Dinner, Weeknight Recipe, Sweet and Smoky Chicken, Gluten-Free Dinner