Introduction
Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner! This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delightful combination of tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a sweet and smoky glaze, all served over fluffy rice. It’s quick, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect meal for busy evenings or a cozy weekend feast. Get ready for a burst of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions and Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the honey, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they are thoroughly coated in the delicious marinade. Cover and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to soak in all those wonderful flavors.
- Heat the olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, allowing it to warm up while the chicken marinates.
- Once marinated, remove the chicken from the bowl, reserving the leftover marinade for later use.
- Carefully place the chicken thighs into the hot skillet. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through.
- Pour the reserved marinade over the cooked chicken and let it simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken, creating a rich and sticky glaze.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
- Serve the sliced chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, drizzling with the thickened sauce from the skillet for that added burst of flavor.
- Finally, sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh and colorful garnish before serving!
Notes or Tips
For a little extra heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade! If you have time, marinating the chicken thighs longer—up to a couple of hours—will further enhance the flavors. Don’t shy away from using brown rice or quinoa as a nutritious alternative to white rice!
Cooking Techniques
Cooking the chicken in a skillet is particularly effective for achieving a beautifully browned exterior while keeping the inside juicy and moist. Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. A well-sealed marinade also helps lock in moisture, leading to tender chicken.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Just be mindful that chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked, so check for doneness a bit sooner.
What other side dishes pair well with this recipe?
Steamed veggies, a crisp salad, or even cornbread make fantastic accompaniments to balance the flavors.
Conclusion
This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is not just another dinner recipe; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl. With its sweet and smoky notes cascading over tender chicken and fluffy rice, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this delightful dish on any night of the week, and watch as it brings smiles to the table!