Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but it needs more liquid and time. Use about 2 cups broth for 1.5 cups brown rice and simmer 40 to 45 minutes on low.

What if I don’t have ketchup?

Use tomato sauce plus a tiny bit more honey and vinegar. Taste and adjust.

Is the sauce very sweet?

It’s balanced. If you prefer less sweet, reduce the honey by a tablespoon and increase vinegar slightly.

Can I add beans or corn?

Absolutely. Stir in a drained can of black beans or 1/2 cup corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Can I make the sauce ahead?

Yes. Store in the fridge up to 1 week. Stir before using.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice With Homemade BBQ Sauce

Name: Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces (Boneless thighs are preferred for juiciness.); 1.5 cups jasmine rice, rinsed (Jasmine rice is recommended for best results.); 1 small onion, diced (Adds flavor and aroma.); 3 cloves garlic, minced (Enhances the overall taste of the dish.); 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth (May require additional water.); 1/4 to 1/2 cup water as needed (Adjust based on rice brand and pot used.); 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (Use tamari for gluten-free options.); 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (Adds acidity.); 1 tablespoon neutral oil (For sautéing the chicken.); 1 tablespoon butter (optional) (For added flavor.); to taste salt and pepper (Seasoning to taste.); 1/2 cup ketchup (Base for the sauce.); 1/3 cup honey (Adjust based on sweetness preference.); 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (Adds depth of flavor.); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (Provides smokiness.); 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (Adds a hint of heat.); 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder (Brings a slight tang.); a pinch salt (Enhances overall flavor.)

Description

A cozy, quick meal featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a homemade honey BBQ sauce that brings sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors together in one pot.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Rice

1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces (Boneless thighs are preferred for juiciness.)
1.5 cups jasmine rice, rinsed (Jasmine rice is recommended for best results.)
1 small onion, diced (Adds flavor and aroma.)
3 cloves garlic, minced (Enhances the overall taste of the dish.)
1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth (May require additional water.)
1/4 to 1/2 cup water as needed (Adjust based on rice brand and pot used.)
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (Use tamari for gluten-free options.)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (Adds acidity.)
1 tablespoon neutral oil (For sautéing the chicken.)
1 tablespoon butter (optional) (For added flavor.)
to taste salt and pepper (Seasoning to taste.)

For the Honey BBQ Sauce

1/2 cup ketchup (Base for the sauce.)
1/3 cup honey (Adjust based on sweetness preference.)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (Adds depth of flavor.)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (Provides smokiness.)
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (Adds a hint of heat.)
1/4 teaspoon mustard powder (Brings a slight tang.)
a pinch salt (Enhances overall flavor.)

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Instructions

Searing the Chicken

Heat a heavy pot over medium-high heat and add oil.
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then sear in batches to achieve a golden-brown crust. Avoid crowding the pan.
Once lightly browned, remove chicken and set aside.

Preparing the Base

Add butter to the pot if using, then add diced onions with a pinch of salt and cook until translucent (3-4 minutes).
Stir in minced garlic for 30 seconds.
Add the rinsed rice and toast it for a minute.
Deglaze with a splash of broth, scraping up browned bits from the pot.

Simmering

Pour in the remaining chicken broth, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and half of the Honey BBQ sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Nestle the seared chicken along with any accumulated juices back into the pot.
Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
After cooking, turn off the heat and let it rest covered for 5-10 minutes.

Finishing Touches

Fluff the rice and brush or fold in the remaining Honey BBQ sauce for a glossy finish.

Notes

Rinse the rice thoroughly to prevent mushiness. Use a heavy pot with a tight lid for best results. Avoid stirring during simmering. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American