Description
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe is a quick, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a sweet and tangy honey barbecue sauce, tossed with colorful veggies and fluffy rice. Ideal for busy weeknights, it combines savory BBQ flavors with wholesome ingredients for a satisfying dish the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (preferably honey-flavored or mix 3/4 cup BBQ sauce with 1/4 cup honey)
Vegetables and Rice
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Extra BBQ sauce
- Squeeze of lime
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Season the Chicken: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through internally.
- Add BBQ Sauce and Honey: Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the barbecue sauce and honey (if not already mixed into BBQ sauce). Stir well to coat all the chicken pieces evenly. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Stir in the diced red bell pepper and corn kernels. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are heated through but still retain some crunch.
- Mix in Cooked Rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly so that the rice absorbs the sauce and the ingredients are well combined. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the dish is warmed through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top and add any optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, extra BBQ sauce, or a squeeze of lime before serving.
Notes
- For a quicker option, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to increase the heat.
- Substitute brown rice or quinoa for a healthier grain alternative.
- Ensure barbecue sauce is gluten-free if you need a gluten-free meal.
