Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Drizzle of oil for searing
Rice and Sauce
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- ¼ cup honey
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the pan: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat to prepare for searing the chicken.
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken thighs or breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper evenly on both sides.
- Sear the chicken: Add a drizzle of oil to the hot pan and place the seasoned chicken pieces in. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Toast the rice: In the same pan, add the uncooked long-grain rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat the grains and enhance flavor.
- Add liquids and sauce: Pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey until well combined.
- Return chicken to pan: Nestle the seared chicken back into the rice mixture, ensuring it is partially submerged.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 15 minutes to cook the rice and chicken evenly.
- Add vegetables: After 15 minutes, sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice evenly.
- Finish cooking: Cover the pan again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender, the chicken is fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the vegetables are heated through.
- Rest and serve: Remove the pan from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference; thighs will provide a juicier result.
- If using frozen mixed vegetables, there is no need to thaw them before adding to the dish.
- Adjust the amount of honey and BBQ sauce to control sweetness and tanginess according to taste.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce with the seasonings.
- Make sure the pan is covered properly during simmering to ensure even cooking of rice and chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American