If you’re looking for a dish that brings together the delightful sweetness of honey and the tangy punch of BBQ sauce, look no further than Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Over Fluffy Comfort Rice. This dish is not just delicious; it’s an easy-to-prepare comfort food that is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your hunger. With tender chicken thighs or breasts coated in a sticky and flavorful sauce, paired with fluffy rice, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance.
Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken is a fantastic meal for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a weekend gathering with friends. The best part? It’s simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight while still impressive enough for guests. The combination of honey and BBQ sauce creates a sticky glaze that clings to the chicken, leaving it moist and bursting with flavor. Serve it over warm, fluffy rice, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a warm hug. Plus, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The sweet and tangy BBQ sauce combined with honey creates a unique and irresistible flavor.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: The fluffy rice paired with sticky chicken brings the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spices and add your favorite vegetables to the mix.
- Kid-Friendly: Generally appealing flavors make this dish a hit with the whole family.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen for success. Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients listed above. This not only saves time but minimizes the chances of forgetting an important component. Ensure your cutting board and knife are clean and sharp for dicing the chicken, as uniform pieces will cook evenly.
You’ll also need a skillet—preferably non-stick or cast iron, which will help prevent sticking and allow for easy flipping of the chicken. Measuring spoons are a must for precision in seasoning the chicken and mixing the sauce. Lastly, have a spatula handy for stirring and turning the chicken while it cooks. With everything ready to go, you’ll find that the cooking process is streamlined and enjoyable.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 green onions, finely sliced (optional garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by dicing your chicken into bite-sized pieces—this ensures that each piece cooks evenly and absorbs the sticky sauce beautifully. Next, season the chicken generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. This initial seasoning adds depth to the chicken’s flavor and provides a savory contrast to the sweetness of the sauce. Allow the seasoned chicken to sit for a few minutes, letting the spices infuse into the meat.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil once it’s hot. The oil should shimmer, indicating it’s ready for cooking. Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the skillet in a single layer—this helps achieve a nice sear. Cook the chicken for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning and to prevent sticking. You want the chicken pieces to be golden brown and cooked through, which indicates they’re done.
Step 3: Add the Sauces
Lower the heat to medium and bring all the flavors together by adding the BBQ sauce, honey, and soy sauce to the skillet. Stir well, coating the chicken evenly with the sticky mixture. Allow the chicken to simmer for about 3–4 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the sauce to thicken and envelop the chicken in its sweet embrace. The aroma at this stage is absolutely mouthwatering, and you can see the sauce clinging beautifully to the chicken.
Step 4: Serve Over Rice
To serve, take the warm cooked rice and spoon generous portions onto plates or bowls. Then, ladle the sticky honey BBQ chicken over the rice, ensuring each serving gets a good amount of sauce. For an added touch of freshness, sprinkle finely sliced green onions over the top as a garnish. This brightens the dish both in flavor and presentation, making it even more inviting!
Variations
- Protein: Swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added nutrition and texture.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like cayenne for a kick or Italian seasoning for a twist.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Leftover sauce can be used as a marinade for other proteins or as a dipping sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair the dish with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Consider serving with cornbread or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Tips
- For additional sweetness, adjust the amount of honey in the sauce to your taste.
- Use leftover rice for a quicker meal, as it reheats well with the sauce.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 30g per serving
- Sodium: 600mg per serving
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but thighs are preferred for their tenderness and flavor.
What if I don’t have BBQ sauce?
You can create a homemade BBQ sauce or use any sweet and tangy sauce as a substitute.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve.
What can I serve with the chicken?
This chicken pairs well with rice, meats, or on a bun as a BBQ chicken sandwich if you prefer!
Conclusion
Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Over Fluffy Comfort Rice is a delightful meal that brings joy and satisfaction to any dining experience. Its ease of preparation, combined with an explosion of flavors, makes it a dish worth trying. Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—feel free to play around with the ingredients and make it your own. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful dish! Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below or share your variations with us!
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Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Over Fluffy Comfort Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
If you're looking for a dish that brings together the delightful sweetness of honey and the tangy punch of BBQ sauce, look no further than Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Over Fluffy Comfort Rice.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 green onions, finely sliced (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Start by dicing your chicken into bite-sized pieces—this ensures that each piece cooks evenly and absorbs the sticky sauce beautifully. Next, season the chicken generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. This initial seasoning adds depth to the chicken's flavor and provides a savory contrast to the sweetness of the sauce. Allow the seasoned chicken to sit for a few minutes, letting the spices infuse into the meat.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil once it's hot. The oil should shimmer, indicating it's ready for cooking. Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the skillet in a single layer—this helps achieve a nice sear. Cook the chicken for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning and to prevent sticking. You want the chicken pieces to be golden brown and cooked through, which indicates they're done.
- Lower the heat to medium and bring all the flavors together by adding the BBQ sauce, honey, and soy sauce to the skillet. Stir well, coating the chicken evenly with the sticky mixture. Allow the chicken to simmer for about 3–4 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the sauce to thicken and envelop the chicken in its sweet embrace. The aroma at this stage is absolutely mouthwatering, and you can see the sauce clinging beautifully to the chicken.
- To serve, take the warm cooked rice and spoon generous portions onto plates or bowls. Then, ladle the sticky honey BBQ chicken over the rice, ensuring each serving gets a good amount of sauce. For an added touch of freshness, sprinkle finely sliced green onions over the top as a garnish. This brightens the dish both in flavor and presentation, making it even more inviting!
Notes
Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Leftover sauce can be used as a marinade for other proteins or as a dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Protein: 30 g