Description
A cozy one-pot dish featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a glossy homemade BBQ glaze that combines sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Rice
- 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs (Juicier and more forgiving than chicken breasts.)
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice (Rinse until the water runs mostly clear.)
- 1 cup chicken broth (Use low-sodium for better control of saltiness.)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (For searing; avocado or canola works well.)
For the BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup (Base of the sauce, adds body and acidity.)
- 1/4 cup honey (Use good-quality honey for best flavor.)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (Adds depth and caramel notes.)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (Balances the sauce’s sweetness.)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (Adds savory flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (For smoky flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (Adds flavor to the glaze.)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (Adds depth to the sauce.)
- 1 teaspoon mustard (Can use yellow or Dijon.)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (Optional for heat.)
Instructions
Searing the Chicken
- Heat a large, heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Pat the chicken dry, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and sear in a single layer for a couple of minutes until golden edges form.
- Flip the chicken, cook briefly until browned, and transfer to a bowl.
Toasting the Rice
- Add a bit more oil if the pan looks dry, then stir in the rinsed and well-drained rice.
- Toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until it smells nutty.
Simmering
- In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce ingredients: ketchup, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, and cayenne.
- Pour in the chicken broth and the sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, stir in the seared chicken and juices, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Let it rest covered for 10 minutes off the heat before fluffing.
Notes
For variations, you can add frozen peas, carrots, or corn during the last 5 minutes of simmering. For a healthier twist, try cauliflower rice or brown rice, adjusting the cooking times accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: American