Description
Savory one-pan bold honey bbq chicken rice delivers a delightful culinary adventure packed with smoky-sweet flavors. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a comforting meal you can easily enjoy on busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in or boneless
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
Marinade and Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant honey BBQ sauce by whisking together honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Set the zesty mixture aside.
- Warm olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer chicken to a temporary plate.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and bell pepper for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors. Introduce rice, coating it with oil and allowing it to lightly toast for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir to combine ingredients. Strategically place seared chicken thighs atop the rice mixture.
- Generously drizzle prepared BBQ sauce over chicken, ensuring thorough coverage. Seal the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and rice becomes tender.
- Remove from oven and allow the dish to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve alongside lemon wedges for an extra flavor dimension.
Notes
- Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption throughout the dish.
- Customize the BBQ sauce by adjusting honey levels for sweeter or tangier results, accommodating different taste preferences.
- Consider using brown rice for added nutritional value and a slightly nuttier texture, which pairs wonderfully with the bold BBQ flavors.
- Swap chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, maintaining the same delicious marinade and cooking method.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 371 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg