Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Skillet

$- 2 cups cooked white rice - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup BBQ sauce - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 green onions, chopped for garnish - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional) Each ingredient plays a vital role in making this dish shine. The chicken thighs keep it juicy and tender. Honey adds a sweet touch, while BBQ sauce gives that smoky flavor. The rice serves as the base, soaking up all the deliciousness. Onions and bell peppers bring color and crunch. Corn adds sweetness and texture. Olive oil is the perfect cooking fat, making everything blend well. Garlic provides a fragrant punch, enhancing the overall taste. Finally, green onions and cilantro add freshness and a pop of color on top. Gather these ingredients to create a hearty and satisfying meal. This dish not only pleases the palate but also fills up the belly. You can easily find all these ingredients at your local store. Enjoy cooking this tasty meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. - Cook for about 4-5 minutes. They should soften and smell great. - After the veggies soften, stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic. - Sauté for 30 seconds, stirring often. This keeps the garlic from burning. - Next, add 1 pound of cut chicken thighs to the skillet. - Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Cook the chicken for 7-10 minutes. Stir occasionally until it is browned and no longer pink. - In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of honey and 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce. - Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. - Stir well to coat the chicken. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. The sauce should be warm and bubbly. - Gently fold in 2 cups of cooked white rice and 1 cup of corn. - Mix everything together until evenly combined. - Heat through for another 2-3 minutes. This melds all the flavors. - Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. - Once you are happy with the flavor, remove the skillet from the heat. To make your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Skillet shine, follow these tips: - Heat your olive oil over medium heat. This helps cook the veggies evenly. - Sauté the onion and bell pepper for 4-5 minutes until soft. Stir often to avoid burning. - When cooking chicken, ensure it is cut into bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook faster. - Stir the chicken as it cooks, and check for a golden brown color. This means it’s ready. - Avoid overcooking by checking the chicken after 7 minutes. It should no longer be pink. Garnishing adds flair to your dish. Here are some ideas: - Top with chopped green onions for a fresh crunch. - Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color and flavor. - Serve in bright bowls to make it visually appealing. - Consider adding lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick. You can make this dish lighter with a few swaps: - Use brown rice instead of white rice for more fiber. - Substitute honey with agave syrup for a lower-calorie option. - Choose a low-sugar BBQ sauce to cut down on calories. - For a sweeter taste, try using maple syrup instead of honey. - Fresh herbs can replace sauces for flavor without added calories. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken will enhance the flavors of the dish significantly. Always prefer fresh over frozen when possible. Customize the BBQ Sauce: Experiment with different types of BBQ sauces to find the flavor that suits your palate best. You can even mix sauces for a unique taste! Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety and tenderness. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Add Spice: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some chili powder or hot sauce to the BBQ mixture for an extra kick that complements the sweetness of the honey. {{image_4}} You can switch the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice taste. Use medium shrimp and sauté them until they turn pink. For tofu, press it to remove water, then cut it into cubes. Cook the tofu until it is golden. Either choice gives a fresh twist to the dish. Try different BBQ sauce flavors for more fun. You can use spicy, honey mustard, or smoky BBQ sauce. Each sauce gives a unique taste. Add spices or herbs, like paprika or oregano, for an extra kick. A bit of cumin can add warmth. Have fun mixing flavors until you find your favorite! Pair this skillet with simple side dishes. A fresh salad or steamed veggies work well. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for crunch. If you want to meal prep, divide the skillet into containers. This makes it easy to grab meals during the week. Enjoy your tasty, easy meals! To store leftovers, let the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Skillet cool. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. This dish will stay fresh for about three to four days in the fridge. For freezing, use a freezer-safe container. Portion the skillet into smaller servings. This helps when you want just one meal. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the container. The rice may expand when frozen. You can freeze the dish for up to three months. To reheat, use the microwave for quick warming. Place the meal in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For a stovetop method, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Stir regularly until heated through. Enjoy your meal fresh and warm! Yes, you can use brown rice. Brown rice takes longer to cook. Make sure it's fully cooked before adding it to the skillet. This adds a nutty flavor and more fiber to your meal. To make this dish vegetarian, swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas. This keeps the dish hearty and full of flavor. The best BBQ sauce is one that you enjoy. You can choose sweet, tangy, or spicy sauce. I recommend a sauce with a good balance of flavors. You can even try making your own for a unique taste. This dish takes about 25 minutes to cook. It includes 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. This makes it a quick and easy meal for busy weeknights. Yes, you can make this dish in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. This dish combines easy steps with tasty ingredients. You have learned how to sauté veggies, cook chicken, and create a flavorful sauce. Tips for garnishing and healthy swaps can enhance your meal. Explore variations to keep it exciting, from different proteins to complementary sides. Remember to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. With these steps and ideas, you can impress your family and enjoy a delicious meal anytime. Try it out and let your kitchen skills shine!$

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Skillet

A hearty one-pan dish featuring tender chicken thighs, sweet honey, and tangy BBQ sauce mixed with rice and veggies.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked white rice
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 2 honey
1 4 BBQ sauce
1 medium onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup corn kernels
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
to taste salt and pepper
2 green onions chopped for garnish
optional fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté until they soften and become fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to release the garlic's aroma.
Add the cut chicken thighs to the skillet, and season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's browned and no longer pink in the center.
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and BBQ sauce until thoroughly blended. Pour the mixture over the cooked chicken in the skillet, stirring to ensure the chicken is well-coated. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is warm and bubbly.
Gently fold in the cooked rice and corn kernels into the skillet. Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly combined and heated through, cooking for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors beautifully.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Once satisfied, remove the skillet from heat.

Notes

Serve warm and garnish with green onions and cilantro for added flavor.

Keyword BBQ, chicken, honey, rice, skillet