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- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 cup bell peppers, diced (mixed colors) - 1/2 cup red onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish) - Optional: Sliced green onions for garnish If you don’t have chicken thighs, you can use chicken breast. It will still taste great. For the rice, feel free to use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. You can swap honey with maple syrup if you prefer. If you want a different flavor, try teriyaki sauce instead of BBQ sauce. You can also add other veggies like corn or zucchini. Choose chicken that feels firm and looks pink. Avoid meat that has a gray color. For bell peppers, pick ones that are shiny and have no soft spots. Fresh garlic should feel firm and smell strong. When selecting honey, go for local brands if possible. They often taste better and support local beekeepers. Fresh cilantro should have vibrant green leaves with no yellowing. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a medium bowl. In this bowl, mix together the honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well until you have a smooth sauce. This sauce adds a sweet and smoky flavor to your chicken. Next, take your bite-sized chicken pieces and toss them in the sauce. Make sure each piece is fully coated. Let the chicken sit for a few minutes to soak up the flavor. Now, heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm for a minute. Carefully add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to brown the chicken evenly. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Once it’s done, add the chopped red onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2 more minutes. This step makes your kitchen smell amazing! After the chicken is cooked, it’s time to add the veggies. Toss in the diced bell peppers and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. You want them to soften but still have some crunch. Once they are ready, add the cooked rice to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine well. Pour any remaining honey BBQ sauce over the rice mixture. Mix until everything is evenly coated. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes on low heat. This helps all the flavors blend together. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Finally, remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions if you like. Enjoy your meal! To make the best Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet, start with high heat. Heat your skillet until it's hot before adding the olive oil. This step helps the chicken sear well, giving it a nice brown color. When you cook the chicken, keep stirring to ensure even cooking. This technique helps all the pieces cook through. Use a large skillet for space. It allows all the ingredients to mix well. To boost the flavor, use fresh garlic and colorful bell peppers. Fresh ingredients make a big difference. You can also add a splash of lime juice before serving. It brightens the dish and adds a nice zing. If you like spice, try adding red pepper flakes or jalapeños. They add heat and depth. Finally, let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors blend nicely. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Keep an eye on it to prevent dryness. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Always taste your dish before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Lastly, avoid using old rice. Make sure your rice is fresh and fluffy. This makes the dish more enjoyable! Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate in the honey BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the flavor. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh bell peppers and onions will provide a more vibrant flavor and texture compared to frozen or canned options. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dish, add more honey. For a tangier flavor, increase the amount of BBQ sauce. Garnish for Presentation: Don't skip the cilantro and green onions! They add a pop of color and freshness that elevates the dish. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for other proteins. Try using shrimp or pork. These meats cook quickly. You can also use ground turkey or beef for a different taste. Each option adds a unique twist to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time based on your choice. For a vegetarian twist, skip the meat. Use extra bell peppers and add black beans. You can also include chickpeas for protein. Tofu works well too; just sauté it until golden. This makes the dish hearty and filling without meat. You can change the sauce to alter flavors. Try using teriyaki sauce instead of BBQ sauce. This gives an Asian touch. You can also add spices like cayenne for heat. Mixing in lime juice adds a zesty kick. Each change makes the dish unique and fun! You can store your Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing. This keeps the moisture in and prevents spoilage. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Transfer the skillet mixture into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat, you can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of water to the skillet. Heat on low, stirring gently until warm. In the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. This helps to keep it moist and tasty. It takes about 25 minutes to cook Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet. You spend 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and 15 minutes cooking everything. This quick meal makes it perfect for busy weeknights. Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber. Just note that brown rice takes longer to cook. If you use brown rice, make sure it's fully cooked before adding it to the skillet. You can serve this dish with a side salad or steamed veggies. Corn on the cob or garlic bread works well, too. Fresh fruit, like watermelon or berries, makes a nice dessert. These sides balance the meal and add more color to your plate. In this article, we explored the key ingredients for Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet. You learned about possible substitutions and tips for selecting fresh items. The step-by-step guide covered making the sauce, cooking the chicken, and blending flavors. I shared useful cooking techniques, flavor enhancements, and common pitfalls to avoid. You also discovered variations like protein swaps and vegetarian options. Finally, we discussed how to store and reheat your dish. Remember, great meals come from quality ingredients and careful prep. Enjoy your cooking adventures!

Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet

A delicious one-pan meal featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, served with colorful bell peppers, onions, and rice.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 2 honey
  • 1 4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced (mixed colors)
  • 1 2 cup red onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • Optional: Sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, mix together honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in this sauce mixture until they are well coated.
  • Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
  • Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Stir in the diced bell peppers and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
  • Add the cooked rice to the skillet, mixing thoroughly with the chicken and vegetables. Pour any remaining honey BBQ sauce over the rice and stir until everything is evenly combined.
  • Allow the mixture to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions if desired before serving.

Notes

Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference.
Keyword BBQ, chicken, honey, rice, skillet