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Delicious Honey BBQ Chicken Rice featured image for a recipe article.

Ultimate Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

This recipe delivers perfectly cooked, juicy honey BBQ chicken served over a bed of fluffy rice. The balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors creates a satisfying and flavorful meal. Ideal for a quick and easy dinner for two.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 38 minutes
Total Time 53 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 6-8 oz each
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Chopped green onions optional
  • Sesame seeds optional

Equipment

  • Saucepan with lid
  • fine mesh sieve
  • small bowl
  • whisk
  • large skillet
  • Spatula or tongs
  • fork
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Meat Thermometer
  • cutting board
  • knife

Method
 

  1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear.
  2. Combine the rice, water, and salt in a saucepan.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
  4. Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
  5. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  6. Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
  7. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  8. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
  9. In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  10. Pour the Honey BBQ sauce over the seared chicken.
  11. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  12. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
  13. Slice the chicken breasts and serve over a bed of rice.
  14. Drizzle with any remaining Honey BBQ sauce from the skillet.
  15. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Notes

For best results, use a high-quality long-grain rice. Sear the chicken well to develop a flavorful crust. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of heat. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Consider adding a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies to the rice for a Southwest flavor or sliced sweet potatoes along with the rice for added nutrition.