Craving a delicious meal but short on time? Look no further! Quick Healthy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is your answer. Packed with flavor, incredibly quick to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing taste or nutrition. It’s my go-to when I need something satisfying and delicious on the table in a hurry – especially when the kids are asking, “What’s for dinner?” every five minutes!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Growing up, BBQ chicken was a staple at our family picnics. But Mom’s version, while delicious, was a bit… indulgent. I wanted to recreate that classic BBQ flavor, but with a healthier twist and a way to make it faster for weeknight dinners. This Quick Healthy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is the result – sweet, smoky, and satisfying, without the guilt. It brings back childhood memories while fitting seamlessly into my busy adult life.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator).
- Cook the Rice: While the chicken marinates, heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the uncooked rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, about 8-10 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork. Stir in about half of the cooked chicken with the cooked rice. Divide the rice mixture among bowls and top with the remaining chicken. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your Quick Healthy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice.
Quick Healthy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Packed with flavor, incredibly quick to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator).1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Cook the Rice: While the chicken marinates, heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 cup diced onion, 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
- Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the uncooked rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.1 cup long-grain rice, 2 cups chicken broth
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, about 8-10 minutes.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Combine and Serve: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork. Stir in about half of the cooked chicken with the cooked rice. Divide the rice mixture among bowls and top with the remaining chicken. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your Quick Healthy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice.1/4 cup chopped cilantro
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