Description
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender, bite-sized chicken thighs coated in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, served over fluffy jasmine or white rice. This easy one-pan meal combines savory, sweet, and smoky flavors, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or satisfying lunches.
Ingredients
Chicken and Cooking
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice
- 2 cups cooked white or jasmine rice
Honey BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Prepare the rice according to package directions using white, jasmine, or brown rice. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili flakes (if using). Stir well until evenly mixed, then set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add chicken pieces to the skillet and cook 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Add the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium, pour the prepared honey BBQ sauce over the cooked chicken. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy and sticky.
- Serve: Spoon the saucy honey BBQ chicken over the bed of cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy warm and flavorful comfort food.
Notes
- Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful meat compared to chicken breasts.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce honey slightly or omit chili flakes for no heat.
- You can substitute jasmine rice with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- For extra depth, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or smoked chipotle powder to the sauce.
