Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delightful dish that brings together the sweet and savory flavors of honey and barbecue sauce, perfectly complementing tender chicken and fluffy rice. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort food that has roots in American barbecue culture, where the love for grilling and bold flavors reign supreme. I remember the first time I tried Honey BBQ Chicken Rice at a family gathering, and it quickly became a favorite among my loved ones.
What makes Honey BBQ Chicken Rice so beloved is its incredible taste and texture. The juicy chicken, coated in a sticky honey BBQ glaze, pairs beautifully with the soft, aromatic rice, creating a satisfying dish that is both filling and flavorful. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to prepare, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Join me as we dive into this mouthwatering recipe that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of jasmine rice
- 4 cups of water or chicken broth
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup of honey
- 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Preparing the Rice
1. Start by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy. I usually rinse it until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed rice and 4 cups of water or chicken broth. If you want to add extra flavor, I recommend using chicken broth.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
4. After 20 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for another 10 minutes. This allows the rice to finish cooking and absorb any remaining moisture.
5. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. I like to add a pinch of salt at this stage for extra flavor.
Marinating the Chicken
6. While the rice is cooking, let’s prepare the chicken. In a large bowl, combine the honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
7. Whisk the marinade together until it’s well combined. The sweetness of the honey and the tanginess of the BBQ sauce create a delicious flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
8. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, making sure they are well coated in the marinade. I like to let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have more time, marinating it for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator will enhance the flavor even more.
Cooking the Chicken
9. After marinating, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
10. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated chicken thighs to the skillet. Be sure to reserve the leftover marinade for later.
11. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be nicely browned and caramelized from the honey and BBQ sauce.
12. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps to keep the chicken juicy.
Making the Sauce
13. In the same skillet, pour in the reserved marinade. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
14. Let the marinade simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. This will create a delicious sauce to drizzle over the chicken and rice.
15. Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
Assembling the Dish
16. Slice the rested chicken thighs into strips or bite-sized pieces. I find that slicing the chicken makes it easier to serve and eat.
17. In a large serving bowl or platter, start by adding a generous scoop of the fluffy jasmine rice as the base.
18. Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the rice.
19. Drizzle the thickened honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and rice. Don’t be shy with the sauce; it adds so much flavor!
20. For a finishing touch, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top. This adds a nice crunch and a pop of color to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
21. Serve the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice warm, and enjoy it with your favorite side dishes. I love pairing it with steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
22. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding
Conclusion:
In summary, this Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners with a burst of flavor and a touch of sweetness. The combination of tender chicken, sticky honey BBQ sauce, and fluffy rice creates a satisfying meal that is sure to please both family and friends. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a delightful twist, or add in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for an extra nutritional boost.
I encourage you to give this recipe a go and make it your own. Whether you serve it with a side of steamed veggies or a fresh salad, the possibilities are endless. Don’t forget to share your experience with me! I’d love to hear how your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice turned out and any creative variations you tried. Cooking is all about experimenting and having fun, so let your culinary creativity shine! Enjoy every bite, and happy cooking!
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Dinner
Enjoy a comforting bowl of Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, featuring juicy marinated chicken thighs served over fluffy jasmine rice, all topped with a luscious honey BBQ sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal!
Ingredients
- 2 cups of jasmine rice
- 4 cups of water or chicken broth
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup of honey
- 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice and 4 cups of water or chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for another 10 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and add a pinch of salt.
- In a large bowl, mix honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk until well combined, then add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or longer for enhanced flavor.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken thighs to the skillet, reserving the leftover marinade.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Pour the reserved marinade into the same skillet and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Slice the rested chicken thighs into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- In a serving bowl, add a scoop of jasmine rice as the base.
- Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the rice.
- Drizzle the thickened honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and rice.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve warm with your favorite side dishes, such as steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth.
Notes
- Der Teig darf während der Ruhezeit nicht bewegt werden.
- Für ein intensiveres Knoblaucharoma können mehr Zehen verwendet werden.
