Homemade Honey BBQ Chicken And Rice photo

Honey BBQ Chicken And Rice is one of those comforting, flavorful dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It combines tender, juicy chicken breasts bathed in a luscious honey BBQ sauce with fluffy, perfectly cooked long-grain white rice. This meal is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests. The balance of sweet honey and tangy BBQ sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze that coats every bite of chicken, while the rice soaks up all those delicious flavors. Plus, it’s made with straightforward ingredients you probably already have on hand, making it a go-to recipe for busy days when you want something satisfying without fuss.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Classic Honey BBQ Chicken And Rice image

Honey BBQ Chicken And Rice is a must-try because it hits all the right notes in terms of flavor, texture, and ease. The chicken breasts remain juicy thanks to a quick marinade and pan-searing method, while the honey and BBQ sauce mixture brings a perfect blend of sweetness and tang. The rice serves as the ideal base, absorbing the sauce and providing a comforting, neutral backdrop. What’s more, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to fit your preferred spice level or dietary needs. If you’re a fan of one-pot meals or crave a hearty dish that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this recipe is designed for you.

If you love chicken and rice dishes, you might also enjoy the Oven Baked Chicken And Rice recipe, which offers a different but equally delicious take on this classic combo.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups long-grain white rice
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (check for pork-free label)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped green onions for garnish

How To Make Honey BBQ Chicken And Rice

1. Prepare the Rice

Rinse 2 cups of long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This prevents the rice from becoming sticky. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 4 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and water is fully absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

2. Make the Honey BBQ Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup honey, 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder. Make sure the BBQ sauce is free from any non-compliant ingredients, as this will be the star glaze for the chicken.

3. Cook the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown on the outside and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

4. Glaze the Chicken

Reduce the heat to low and pour the honey BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken repeatedly to coat it evenly, allowing it to thicken and caramelize slightly, about 3-5 minutes.

5. Assemble and Serve

To serve, spoon a generous portion of the fluffy white rice onto each plate. Place a glazed chicken breast on top and drizzle any remaining sauce from the pan over the rice and chicken. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Expert Tips

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey BBQ sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the sauce from sticking and burning.
  • If you prefer, you can cook the rice in chicken broth instead of water for a richer taste.
  • Make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly but avoid overcooking to keep it juicy.
  • Rest the chicken for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
  • Swap out the green onions for fresh cilantro or parsley if you want a different garnish.

Variations and Customizations

  • Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili powder or a splash of hot sauce to the honey BBQ sauce for some heat.
  • Vegetable Boost: Serve with steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or a fresh side salad to add color and nutrients.
  • Different Protein: Try this sauce with chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful option. Check out this Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs recipe for inspiration.
  • Grain Swap: Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a nuttier taste and extra fiber.
  • Oven Method: Bake the chicken covered with sauce in the oven for 25-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C) if you prefer hands-off cooking.

How to Store Leftovers

Place any leftover Honey BBQ Chicken And Rice in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to the rice to prevent it from drying out and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. This dish also freezes well—just separate the chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the dish gluten-free without compromising flavor.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the rice ahead of time. Store them separately and cook the chicken fresh or reheat everything together just before serving.

What type of BBQ sauce works best?

A sweet and tangy BBQ sauce with no hidden non-compliant ingredients works best. Look for a sauce with a clean ingredient list and avoid those containing pork derivatives or alcohol.

Conclusion

Honey BBQ Chicken And Rice is a deliciously simple meal that delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. Its sweet, tangy sauce paired with tender chicken and fluffy rice makes it a family favorite that’s easy to whip up any night of the week. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is approachable and adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your taste preferences. Give it a try and enjoy a comforting plate of pure deliciousness tonight!

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The Best Honey Bbq Chicken And Rice Ever

Homemade Honey BBQ Chicken And Rice photo

Honey BBQ Chicken And Rice

This Honey BBQ Chicken And Rice is comfort food at its finest! Juicy chicken glazed with sweet, tangy sauce served over fluffy rice—perfect for any night.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups long-grain white rice
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce check for pork-free label
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Rice

  • Rinse 2 cups of long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 4 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and water is fully absorbed.
  • Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Make the Honey BBQ Sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup honey, 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder.
  • Ensure the BBQ sauce is free from any non-compliant ingredients.

Cook the Chicken

  • Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temperature).

Glaze the Chicken

  • Reduce heat to low and pour the honey BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken in the skillet.
  • Spoon the sauce repeatedly over the chicken to coat evenly, allowing it to thicken and caramelize slightly for about 3-5 minutes.

Assemble and Serve

  • Spoon a generous portion of fluffy white rice onto each plate.
  • Place a glazed chicken breast on top and drizzle remaining sauce from the pan over the rice and chicken.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken in the honey BBQ sauce for 30 minutes before cooking for extra flavor.
  • Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the sauce from sticking and burning.
  • Cook the rice in chicken broth instead of water for a richer taste.
  • Rest the chicken after cooking to keep it juicy.
  • Try swapping green onions for cilantro or parsley as garnish.

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