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Honey Bbq Chicken Rice: A 1-Hour Family Meal Miracle

Honey Bbq Chicken Rice
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A deliciously easy weeknight meal featuring tender chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and tangy Honey BBQ sauce, served over fluffy rice with fresh garnishes. Inspired by global ‘bowl meal’ traditions, this recipe simplifies a flavorful classic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (about 680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • 2 tablespoons water (or chicken broth, for thinning if needed)
  • 2 cups jasmine rice (or your preferred long-grain rice)
  • 3 cups cold water (adjust according to rice type and desired texture)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, for seasoning the rice)
  • 4–6 green onions (scallions), thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional: Steamed broccoli florets, quick pickled cucumbers, shredded carrots, or a fried egg for extra indulgence.
  • A drizzle of extra sesame oil, if desired.

Instructions

  1. **Marinating the Chicken:** In a medium-sized bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper. Whisk to incorporate. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or for more intense flavor, 2-4 hours, or even overnight.
  2. **Preparing the Homemade Honey BBQ Sauce:** In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, honey, light brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until well combined. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Adjust seasonings to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. **Cooking the Perfect Fluffy Rice:** Rinse jasmine rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. For the stovetop method, transfer rinsed rice to a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Add 3 cups cold water and optional 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Stir once, cover tightly, and reduce heat to the lowest setting. Simmer undisturbed for 15-18 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for another 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving. For the rice cooker method, place rinsed rice in the rice cooker pot with 3 cups cold water and optional salt. Close lid, select ‘white rice’ setting. Once finished, let rest on ‘keep warm’ for 10-15 minutes before fluffing.
  4. **Cooking the Chicken:** Remove marinated chicken from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking. Heat 1 tablespoon cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Sear for 3-4 minutes until golden-brown, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Continue cooking, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 8-10 minutes total.
  5. Once chicken is cooked, reduce heat to low. Pour about 3/4 of the prepared Honey BBQ sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken. Remove from heat immediately.
  6. **Assembling Your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl:** Spoon a generous portion of hot, fluffy jasmine rice into serving bowls. Arrange a hearty serving of the glazed Honey BBQ chicken pieces over the rice. Drizzle any extra sauce from the skillet over the chicken and rice. Garnish generously with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Add optional steamed broccoli florets, quick pickled cucumbers, shredded carrots, or a fried egg for extra indulgence. Drizzle with a tiny bit more reserved Honey BBQ sauce or extra sesame oil, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Pat chicken dry before marinating for better flavor absorption and browning.
  • Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2-4 hours, or overnight for the deepest flavor in your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl.
  • When cooking chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper searing instead of steaming. Cook in batches if necessary.
  • Taste the homemade Honey BBQ sauce and adjust seasonings (sweetness, tang, spice) to your preference.
  • Do not overcook the chicken once the sauce is added, as the high sugar content can cause it to burn.
  • The resting period for rice is crucial for fluffy, separate grains.
  • This Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl is highly customizable; feel free to add your favorite vegetables or protein variations like shrimp, tofu, or pork tenderloin.
  • This recipe is excellent for meal prepping; cook chicken and rice in advance and assemble bowls throughout the week.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://quizsavor.com/honey-bbq-chicken-rice/

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