Print

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls

honey BBQ chicken rice bowls - featured image
Print Recipe

Sticky-sweet barbecue chicken, fluffy rice, and crisp veggies come together in these easy, customizable rice bowls. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual gatherings, this 30-minute dinner is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
  • Pinch of salt (for rice)
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or thawed from frozen)
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley (optional)
  • Toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. If using uncooked rice, rinse 1 cup white or brown rice under cool water until it runs clear. Add to a pot with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-18 minutes (white rice) or 35-40 minutes (brown rice) until tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside. (Or, prepare microwave rice according to package instructions.)
  2. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch cubes. Season all over with salt and black pepper.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as desired.
  4. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden and crisp on one side. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes, until browned and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F). Cook in batches if needed.
  5. Lower heat to medium. Pour the honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and toss to coat. Let it bubble for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken. Add a splash of water if the sauce looks dry.
  6. Scoop a generous serving of rice into each bowl. Top with honey BBQ chicken and drizzle over extra sauce from the pan.
  7. Add toppings: shredded carrots, cucumber, corn, green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds or peanuts (if desired). Serve immediately.

Notes

For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free BBQ sauce. Swap rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. Use tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Prep toppings and sauce while rice cooks to save time. Store chicken, rice, and toppings separately for meal prep. Add a splash of water if sauce thickens too much when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey BBQ chicken, rice bowl, easy dinner, 30-minute meal, meal prep, barbecue chicken, family dinner, weeknight recipe, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/honey-bbq-chicken-rice-bowls-easy-30-minute-dinner-recipe/