Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

This hearty Honey BBQ Chicken with Rice has been my weekend dinner solution for years. The sweet and tangy sauce creates an irresistible glaze while the chicken stays perfectly tender, making this the ultimate crowd pleaser that pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice.

I first created this recipe when hosting an impromptu family gathering with ingredients I had on hand. The enthusiastic response was immediate and now it has become my signature dish that relatives request whenever they visit.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Provide juicier results than breast meat and stay tender even when reheated
• Long grain white rice: Creates the perfect fluffy base to soak up all the delicious sauce
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create that beautiful sticky glaze
• BBQ sauce: Brings smoky depth look for one with a balance of sweet and tangy notes
• Soy sauce: Introduces a savory umami element that balances the sweetness perfectly
• Freshly minced garlic: Adds aromatic complexity always use fresh for the best flavor

How To Make Honey BBQ Chicken with Rice

Preheat Oven:

Set your oven to 190°C or 375°F. This moderate temperature allows the chicken to cook through while developing that beautiful caramelized exterior without burning the sugars in the honey.

Prepare The Sauce:

In a large mixing bowl whisk together the honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and minced garlic until completely smooth and glossy. This sauce is the heart of the dish so take your time ensuring everything is well incorporated. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Prepare Baking Dish:

Thoroughly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a light coating of oil. This step is crucial as the sugars in the sauce tend to caramelize and stick during baking making cleanup much easier later.

Coat And Arrange Chicken:

Reserve half the sauce in a separate bowl for later use. Toss the chicken thighs in the remaining sauce ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish with a small space between each piece to allow for even cooking.

Bake To Perfection:

Pour the reserved sauce over the arranged chicken ensuring all pieces are generously coated. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Around the 20 minute mark carefully remove the dish and baste the chicken with the sauce from the dish to intensify the flavor and ensure even glazing.

Rest Before Serving:

Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C or 165°F and the sauce is bubbling and sticky remove from the oven. Allow everything to rest for 5 minutes which helps the chicken retain its juices when sliced and allows the sauce to thicken slightly.

Plate And Serve:

While the chicken rests prepare your rice according to package instructions. Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice spooning the extra sauce from the baking dish over everything for maximum flavor impact.

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My favorite aspect of this dish is how the honey caramelizes during baking creating those irresistible sticky edges on the chicken. The first time I served this to my grandmother she requested the recipe immediately saying it reminded her of the BBQ chicken her mother made but with a modern twist that made it even better.

Make Ahead Options

This Honey BBQ Chicken is actually perfect for planning ahead. You can marinate the chicken in the sauce mixture for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator which allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply. The sauce itself can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept refrigerated in an airtight container. For complete meal prep you can fully cook the dish allow it to cool completely then portion with rice into individual containers. It reheats beautifully in the microwave making weekday lunches or dinners effortless and delicious.

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Storage and Leftovers

Leftover Honey BBQ Chicken with Rice can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor actually improves overnight as the sauce has more time to meld with the chicken. For longer storage freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. When reheating I recommend adding a tablespoon of water or chicken broth before microwaving to keep everything moist. Alternatively reheat covered in a 325°F oven until warmed through about 15 minutes for refrigerated leftovers or 25 minutes from frozen.

Customization Ideas

This versatile recipe welcomes many adaptations to suit your preferences. For a spicier version add a tablespoon of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the glaze. Health conscious cooks can substitute brown rice for white rice and use skinless chicken breast cut into chunks though cooking time will need adjustment. For an extra layer of flavor add a tablespoon of grated fresh ginger to the sauce mixture. During summer months try finishing the glazed chicken on the grill for the last 5 minutes of cooking to add a wonderful smoky char that complements the BBQ flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. Additionally, the sauce should be bubbly, caramelized, and sticky.

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used. However, be mindful of the cooking time as breasts tend to cook faster and might dry out if overcooked. Adjust accordingly.

→ What kind of rice works best with this dish?

Long-grain white rice pairs perfectly with this dish because of its fluffy texture. You can also try brown rice or jasmine rice for variations.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add some chili flakes, hot sauce, or finely diced fresh chili to the BBQ sauce for a spicier flavor profile. Adjust the heat to your preference.

→ Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before using.