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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup honey - ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite) - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups long-grain white rice - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup bell peppers (diced, any color) - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) For this Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice dish, start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and stay juicy. Use a cup of honey to add sweetness. Mix it with half a cup of your favorite BBQ sauce for that smoky kick. Add a tablespoon of soy sauce for depth, and sprinkle in a teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. This mix gives the chicken a nice flavor boost. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. For the rice, use long-grain white rice. Two cups of rice paired with four cups of chicken broth make it rich and tasty. Add color and crunch with one cup of diced bell peppers and a cup of corn, either fresh or frozen. Finally, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of flavor and fun. This combo of ingredients makes a perfect meal for family or friends. It’s easy to prepare, and everyone will love it! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to prepare the honey BBQ mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined. This mixture gives the chicken its sweet and smoky flavor. Now, it’s time to marinate the chicken. Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or a glass dish. Pour half of your honey BBQ mixture over the chicken. Make sure all the pieces are coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, let it sit for up to 4 hours. While the chicken marinates, rinse the rice under cold water. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. This step helps remove excess starch and makes the rice fluffier. In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed rice and 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring this to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it boils, reduce to low heat and cover. Let it simmer for about 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice absorbs all the liquid. Next, cook the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Take the marinated chicken out of the bag, discarding any leftover marinade. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side. You want it to have a nice glaze from the BBQ sauce. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. In the same skillet, add your diced bell peppers and corn. Choose any color of bell pepper you like for a pop of color. Sauté these for about 2 to 3 minutes until they are slightly tender. This step adds extra flavor and texture to your dish. Now, it’s time to combine everything. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork, then stir in the sautéed bell peppers and corn. Mix well to combine. Slice the rested chicken and place it over the rice mix. If you like, drizzle some of the remaining honey BBQ sauce on top. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy your meal! How long to marinate for maximum flavor? Marinating chicken for at least 30 minutes gives you good flavor. For the best taste, aim for 4 hours. This time lets the honey and BBQ sauce soak in. Using alternative marinades You can change the flavor by using different marinades. Try teriyaki sauce or a sweet chili sauce. Both add a tasty twist to your chicken. Ensuring juicy chicken To get juicy chicken, avoid overcooking. Cook until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check this easily. Adjusting cook times for different chicken cuts If you use thighs or drumsticks, cook longer than breasts. Thighs may need an extra few minutes. Always check for doneness. Flavoring rice with herbs and spices Make your rice pop by adding herbs. A pinch of thyme or a bay leaf can enhance the taste. You can even toss in garlic powder while it cooks. Cooking rice in advance Cook rice ahead of time to save effort. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. Just reheat it before serving. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 1 hour, but if you can, let it sit for 4 hours or overnight for the best results. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Customize Your Rice: Feel free to add other vegetables to the rice, like peas or carrots, to enhance the dish's color and nutrition. You can also use brown rice for a healthier option. Leftover Sauce Usage: If you have leftover honey BBQ sauce, use it as a dip for veggies or as a glaze for grilled meats. It's a versatile condiment that can elevate many dishes. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavor with different sauces. Try teriyaki sauce for a sweet twist. Sweet chili sauce adds a spicy kick. If you're not a fan of chicken, use tofu or beef instead. Tofu absorbs flavors well, making it a great choice. Thinly sliced beef cooks quickly and pairs nicely with the honey BBQ sauce. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce. Most BBQ sauces are gluten-free, but check labels. For vegetarian and vegan options, replace chicken with marinated, grilled tofu. You can also use plant-based meat alternatives for a similar texture. This way, everyone can enjoy this meal. Pair Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice with simple side dishes. Steamed broccoli or a fresh salad works well. For fun and color, serve with roasted sweet potatoes. When hosting, use a large platter for a beautiful presentation. Arrange the chicken and rice in the center. Scatter diced bell peppers and corn around for color. Finish with green onions and sesame seeds on top. This makes for a stunning display at any gathering. To keep your Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice fresh, store leftovers right away. Place the chicken and rice in an airtight container. Make sure to let the food cool before sealing. This helps prevent moisture build-up, which can make your meal soggy. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat your leftovers, reheating is key. Use the microwave for quick warmth. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This ensures even heating. If you prefer, you can also reheat on the stove. Just add a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist. You can freeze Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice for longer storage. For the best taste, freeze the chicken and rice separately. This helps each part maintain its texture. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with the date to keep track. To thaw, place the chicken in the fridge overnight. For rice, you can place it in warm water for quicker results. Once thawed, reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot. Avoid using high heat; it can change the texture. Enjoy your meal just as delicious as the first time! You can use turkey or tofu instead of chicken. Both options work well with the honey BBQ flavors. If you prefer seafood, try shrimp or salmon. Just adjust the cooking times to ensure proper doneness. Yes, you can! Place the marinated chicken in the slow cooker with rice and broth. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The chicken will be tender, and the rice will soak up all the flavors. Cooked Honey BBQ Chicken lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. Marinating the chicken enhances its flavor and tenderness. While not mandatory, marinating for at least 30 minutes is best. If you are short on time, you can skip it, but the dish will be less flavorful. Yes, you can use brown rice! Just remember that brown rice takes longer to cook. Use about 40-45 minutes of cooking time instead of 18-20 minutes. Adjust the liquid amount as needed for best results. This blog post offers a complete guide to making Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice. You learned about the right ingredients, detailed cooking steps, and tips for maximum flavor. I shared ways to make this dish fit different diets and some easy serving ideas too. With the right cooking skills, you can impress anyone with your meal. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and make this dish your own. Following these steps ensures a tasty outcome every time. Happy cooking!

Sweet and Smoky Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice

A delicious combination of marinated chicken breasts cooked in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, served over a flavorful rice mix with bell peppers and corn.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup honey
  • 0.5 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 cups long-grain white rice
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced
  • 1 cup corn
  • 2 pieces green onions, sliced
  • to taste sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, whisk together honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. This will be your marinade and sauce.
  • Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a glass dish and pour half of the honey BBQ mixture over the chicken. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor) in the refrigerator.
  • While the chicken is marinating, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, add the rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and cover. Simmer for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the marinated chicken (discard any leftover marinade) and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice glaze from the BBQ sauce. Use a meat thermometer if needed; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
  • Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. In the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers and corn, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
  • Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and stir in the sautéed bell peppers and corn. Mix well to combine.
  • Slice the chicken and serve it over a bed of the honey BBQ rice mix. Drizzle remaining honey BBQ sauce on top of the chicken if desired.
  • Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours.
Keyword BBQ, chicken, dinner, honey, rice