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Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 12 reviews

This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl pairs tender, pan-seared chicken breasts glazed in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce with fluffy, savory rice cooked in chicken broth. It’s a quick, flavorful, balanced meal perfect for weeknights or meal prep, offering a comforting combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors in a versatile and nourishing bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Rice

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth (or water)

Sauce & Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Garnish (Optional)

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
  2. Season the Chicken: While the rice is cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts evenly with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to enhance flavor.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
  4. Make the Honey BBQ Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the BBQ sauce and honey. Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, turning the chicken pieces to coat them thoroughly in the sticky glaze.
  5. Assemble the Bowl: Slice the glazed chicken breasts into strips. Serve the sliced chicken over a bed of the cooked rice. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top for extra flavor. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

  • For juicier chicken, substitute chicken thighs for breasts.
  • Use jasmine or basmati rice for a subtle aromatic variation.
  • To make this dish lighter, try reduced-sugar BBQ sauce or substitute brown rice or cauliflower rice.
  • Skip the olive oil and grill or bake the chicken as a healthier alternative to pan-frying.
  • Perfect for meal prep—stores well in the refrigerator up to 4 days and freezes for up to 2 months.
  • Add vegetables like roasted broccoli, sautéed bell peppers, or arugula for more color and nutrients.
  • Adjust sweetness or spice by varying the honey amount or adding crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha.

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, Chicken Rice Bowl, BBQ Chicken Recipe, Easy Dinner, Meal Prep, Sweet and Smoky Chicken, Weeknight Meal

Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/honey-bbq-chicken-rice-bowl-recipe/