This irresistible honey BBQ chicken and rice dish combines succulent chicken thighs glazed with a perfect balance of sweet honey and tangy barbecue sauce. Served over fluffy rice with colorful vegetables, this complete meal delivers restaurant-quality flavors with simple home cooking techniques that make it ideal for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 4-5 pieces)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) BBQ sauce, divided
- 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp (5ml) smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) onion powder
- 1 tsp (5ml) salt
- 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (1ml) cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Rice and Vegetables:
- 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice
- 2 cups (475ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup (150g) frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
- 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) salt
- 1/4 tsp (1ml) black pepper
- 2 tbsp (8g) fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Sauce Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce, honey, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. This creates your honey BBQ glaze that will be divided between coating and basting the chicken.
Step 2: Season and Coat the Chicken Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour half of the honey BBQ mixture over them. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly, ensuring the sauce reaches all surfaces. Reserve the remaining sauce mixture for basting during cooking.
Step 3: Arrange and Bake the Chicken Line a baking dish or rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray. Arrange the coated chicken thighs skin-side up in the prepared dish, ensuring they don’t overlap. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes without opening the oven door.
Step 4: Baste and Continue Cooking After 20 minutes, carefully remove the dish from the oven and baste the chicken with the reserved honey BBQ sauce mixture. Return to the oven and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Prepare the Rice While the chicken bakes, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and stir for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted. Pour in the chicken broth, add salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Step 6: Add Vegetables to Rice During the last 5 minutes of rice cooking time, add the frozen mixed vegetables to the rice without stirring. Cover and continue cooking until the rice is done and vegetables are heated through. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork, gently incorporating the vegetables.
Step 7: Rest and Serve Allow the baked chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat. Serve the honey BBQ chicken over the vegetable rice, drizzling any accumulated pan juices over the top. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness.
Nutritional Information and Timing
Total Preparation Time: 50-55 minutes
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 35-40 minutes
Serves: 4 people
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Vitamin A: 35% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 15% Daily Value
- Iron: 12% Daily Value
This balanced meal provides high-quality protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from rice, and essential vitamins from mixed vegetables, creating a nutritionally complete dinner option.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Protein Alternatives: Boneless chicken thighs reduce cooking time to 25-30 minutes, while chicken breasts work but may require careful monitoring to prevent drying. Pork chops or salmon fillets adapt well to the honey BBQ glaze with adjusted cooking times.
Rice Substitutions: Brown rice provides additional fiber and nutrients but requires longer cooking time and more liquid. Quinoa, wild rice, or cauliflower rice offer different textures and nutritional profiles. Jasmine or basmati rice creates more aromatic results.
Vegetable Variations: Fresh vegetables like diced carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli florets can replace frozen mixed vegetables. Add heartier vegetables during the rice cooking process, and delicate vegetables like peas during the final few minutes.
Sauce Modifications: Maple syrup replaces honey for different sweetness, while sriracha or hot sauce adds heat. Teriyaki sauce combined with honey creates Asian-inspired flavors, and balsamic vinegar adds depth to the glaze.
Cooking Method Alternatives: This recipe adapts well to slow cooker preparation, cooking on low for 4-6 hours. Grilling the chicken after marinating creates smoky flavors, while stovetop preparation in a covered skillet works for smaller batches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs? Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide the best flavor and stay moist during baking, but boneless thighs work well with reduced cooking time. The bone helps conduct heat evenly, while the skin becomes beautifully crispy when properly prepared. Remove skin if desired for lower fat content.
How can I tell when the chicken is properly cooked? Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear when the chicken is pierced, and the skin should be golden brown and crispy.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? The honey BBQ sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The chicken can be marinated in the sauce for up to 24 hours before baking. Cooked chicken and rice store well separately for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.
What if my BBQ sauce is too thick or thin? If your sauce is too thick, thin it with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or chicken broth. If too thin, simmer it briefly in a small saucepan to reduce and concentrate the flavors. The honey helps balance consistency while adding natural sweetness.
How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy? Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch. Use the proper liquid-to-rice ratio and avoid lifting the lid during cooking. Let the rice rest off heat for 5 minutes before fluffing to allow steam to finish the cooking process gently.
This sweet and savory honey BBQ chicken rice delivers comfort food satisfaction with balanced nutrition and straightforward preparation. The combination of tender, glazed chicken with fluffy vegetable rice creates a complete meal that appeals to all ages while requiring minimal cleanup. Whether served for weeknight family dinners or casual entertaining, this recipe consistently produces delicious results that make home cooking feel special and rewarding.