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Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe Easy Quick Weeknight Dinner Idea

honey BBQ chicken rice - featured image

A quick and easy honey BBQ chicken rice recipe perfect for busy weeknights, featuring tender chicken thighs glazed in a sweet and tangy sauce served over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or basmati recommended)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, BBQ sauce, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low and pour the honey BBQ sauce over the chicken. Spoon the sauce over each piece and simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
  5. Meanwhile, warm the cooked rice in a separate pan or microwave until hot.
  6. Serve the glazed chicken over a bed of hot rice, spoon extra sauce on top, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

If sauce starts to stick or burn, lower heat and add a splash of water to loosen. Let chicken rest a few minutes off heat before serving to keep it juicy. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for best tenderness. Jasmine or basmati rice recommended for fragrance and fluffiness. For a dairy-free twist, this recipe is naturally suited as it contains no milk or butter. Use gluten-free BBQ sauce to keep it gluten-free. Optional garnishes include green onions and sesame seeds. Almond flour can be used to dust chicken for extra texture. Variations include adding sriracha for spice, swapping chicken for tofu or tempeh for vegetarian option, or serving over cauliflower rice for low-carb.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey BBQ chicken, chicken rice recipe, quick dinner, weeknight meal, easy chicken recipe, BBQ sauce chicken, honey glaze chicken