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- 4 boneless chicken thighs - 1 cup honey - 1/2 cup barbecue sauce - 2 cups jasmine rice - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh cilantro, chopped - Lemon wedges {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the marinade, mix these ingredients in a bowl: - 1 cup honey - 1/2 cup barbecue sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Whisk until it is well combined. For the best flavor, let it sit for a few minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely. Place the chicken thighs in a zip-lock bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. - Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For better taste, aim for 2 hours. - Store the marinated chicken in the fridge. This keeps it fresh and safe until you are ready to cook. Rinsing the rice is key to fluffy jasmine rice. Here’s how: 1. Rinse 2 cups of jasmine rice under cold water. 2. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. In a pot, bring 4 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Add the rinsed rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until cooked. For the chicken, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove chicken from the marinade, discarding the excess marinade. Sear the chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Make sure they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use leftover marinade to make a glaze, but do it safely. About 2 minutes before the chicken is done, pour a little of the marinade into the skillet. Look for the glaze to thicken slightly. This means the chicken is ready to serve. Fluff the rice with a fork for a light texture. Place a generous serving of rice on each plate. Top the rice with the glazed chicken thighs. For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top. Add lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your meal! To make your honey BBQ chicken truly amazing, try different cooking methods. Searing in a skillet gives a nice crust. You can also grill for a smoky flavor. If you prefer a gentler approach, bake the chicken at 375°F. This way, it cooks evenly. For spice lovers, adjust the heat in your marinade. Add cayenne pepper for a kick. If you want it milder, reduce the garlic powder. Taste as you go, and find the right balance for your family. Cooking rice can be tricky. One common mistake is not rinsing the rice first. Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until the water is clear. This removes excess starch and prevents it from being sticky. To achieve fluffy jasmine rice, use the right water-to-rice ratio. A good rule is two cups of liquid for one cup of rice. Bring the liquid to a boil, then lower the heat and cover. Let it simmer for 15-18 minutes. To make your dish look great, focus on garnishing. Fresh cilantro adds color and flavor. Sprinkle it on top just before serving. Lemon wedges on the side give a nice touch, too. They also add a zesty flavor when squeezed over the chicken. For side dishes, consider a simple salad or steamed veggies. They add freshness and balance to your meal. You can also serve a fruit salad for a sweet finish. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight if possible. This allows the spices and sauces to deeply penetrate the meat. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs can elevate the taste of your dish significantly compared to dried versions. If you can, opt for fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. Check Chicken Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This guarantees it's safe to eat and perfectly cooked. Customize Your Heat Level: Adjust the spiciness of the dish by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade if you prefer a bit more heat. {{image_2}} You can use different proteins with this recipe. Chicken thighs are great, but chicken breast works well too. Chicken breast is leaner, so it cooks faster. If you want a plant-based option, try tofu. Slice it into cubes and marinate just like the chicken. If using tofu, cook it for 3-4 minutes on each side until it's golden. Want to spice things up? Add some chopped peppers to the marinade. Jalapeños or red pepper flakes add heat. You can also switch up the sauces. Try teriyaki for a sweet twist or sweet chili sauce for a kick. Mixing flavors keeps things exciting and suits your taste. If you're gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. This keeps the dish safe and tasty. For low-carb options, swap rice for cauliflower rice. It cooks fast and soaks up all the flavors. These small changes help everyone enjoy the meal. To store your honey BBQ chicken and rice, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the meal fresh and prevents odors from mixing. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. For the best reheating, use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, place the chicken and rice in a skillet. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Heat on low until warm. In the microwave, cover your dish with a damp paper towel. This helps trap steam and keeps everything tender. Aim for about two to three minutes on medium power. To freeze your dish, let it cool completely. Divide it into portions and place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it using the stove or microwave as described above. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! I suggest marinating chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes. This will give them a nice taste. If you have more time, try to marinate for up to 2 hours. This longer time helps the flavors soak in better. For chicken breasts, a similar time frame works well. Yes, you can! For oven cooking, preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish. Cook for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F. This method keeps the chicken juicy and tender. Just make sure to check it halfway through for even cooking. I love serving this dish with a fresh side salad or steamed veggies. You can also add coleslaw for some crunch. Corn on the cob pairs nicely too. These sides balance the sweetness of the chicken and rice. Absolutely! You can make this dish ahead of time. Just cool the chicken and rice before storing. Place them in airtight containers. This meal lasts for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. Enjoy it all week long! This blog post covered the key ingredients, steps, and tips for making honey BBQ chicken with jasmine rice. You learned how to marinate the chicken and cook it to perfection. We also discussed how to present the dish beautifully. Whether you use chicken thighs or experiment with other proteins, the goal is a tasty meal. Remember to store leftovers safely and reheat properly. Enjoy the process and share this delicious recipe with others!

Sweet & Spicy Honey BBQ Chicken with Rice

A flavorful dish combining sweet honey and spicy barbecue chicken served over fluffy jasmine rice.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup honey
  • 0.5 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 cups jasmine rice
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste fresh cilantro, chopped
  • to serve lemon wedges

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine honey, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
  • Place the chicken thighs in a zip-lock bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
  • While the chicken is marinating, rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a pot, bring chicken broth to a boil, add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place the thighs in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until they're golden brown and cooked through.
  • About 2 minutes before the chicken is done, pour in a little of the leftover marinade to create a glaze. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Fluff the rice with a fork and place a generous serving on plates. Top with the glazed chicken thighs.
  • Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top and add lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

Marinate the chicken for longer for more flavor.
Keyword barbecue, chicken, honey, rice, spicy