Description
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice has become our go-to dinner at least twice a month. It’s basically tender chicken pieces coated in this amazing sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, served over fluffy rice with some veggies mixed in. The whole thing comes together in one pan (besides the rice), which means fewer dishes – always a win in my book!
I stumbled across this recipe when I was desperately trying to use up some leftover BBQ sauce and chicken thighs about three years ago. My kids went absolutely nuts for it, and it’s been in regular rotation ever since. Even my picky 8-year-old asks for seconds!
Ingredients
Scale
For the chicken and sauce (the star of the show):
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if you prefer)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (I use Sweet Baby Ray’s, but any kind works)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional if you want a kick)
For the rice:
- 2 cups uncooked white rice (I use jasmine, but any rice works)
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For adding some color and nutrition:
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color – I usually use red because it’s sweeter)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or cor