Description
Whip up a flavorful Honey BBQ Chicken Rice skillet with tender chicken, sticky sauce, and fluffy rice. A simple, satisfying meal for any weeknight.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- For the Fluffy Rice Base:
- 1.5 cups short-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Flavor Boosters & Garnish:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)
- Optional Kick:
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
- Toasted sesame seeds (for extra crunch)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:: Okay, first things first, get those chicken thighs ready. Pat them super dry with a paper towel – this is a small step, but it makes a huge difference for browning! Cut them into bite-sized pieces, maybe about 1-inch chunks. I always tell myself I’ll be neat, but honestly, mine are usually a bit uneven. Season them generously with a pinch of salt and pepper. Don’t be shy; this is your first layer of flavor for the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, and it really matters. I sometimes forget this step and kick myself later!
- Brown the Chicken:: Heat your olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your chicken pieces. Don’t overcrowd the pan, you want them to brown, not steam! Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and a little crispy on the outside. This caramelization is where so much flavor develops. I’ve definitely tried to rush this part before, and it just doesn’t taste the same, so take your time!
- Build the Sauce:: Reduce the heat to medium. Now, for the magic! Pour in your favorite BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir it all together, coating every single piece of chicken. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and gets all gloriously sticky. The smell right now? Oh, it’s heavenly! This is the heart of your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, so make sure it’s perfect.
- Add the Rice & Broth:: Stir in your short-grain white rice, making sure it gets well coated in that amazing sticky sauce and chicken. Then, pour in the chicken broth. Give it a good stir to combine everything, making sure the rice is submerged. This is where I always double-check the liquid level. I once didn’t add enough broth, and we ended up with crunchy rice – oops! You want it simmering nicely for the rice to cook properly.
- Simmer to Perfection:: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly, and let it cook for about 15-18 minutes. Resist the urge to peek! Seriously, don’t lift the lid, or you’ll let all that precious steam escape. This quiet simmering is doing all the work to make your rice fluffy and tender. I usually set a timer and walk away to avoid messing with it. That’s how you get perfect Honey BBQ Chicken Rice.
- Rest & Serve:: Once the cooking time is up, turn off the heat but keep the lid on! Let the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice rest for another 5 minutes. This allows the steam to redistribute and the rice to get even fluffier. Fluff it gently with a fork before serving. You’ll see beautiful, tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, all coated in that irresistible honey BBQ glaze. It smells incredible, looks comforting, and tastes even better. A little fresh parsley or green onions on top? Yes, please!