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Easy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice

A sweet, smoky, and comforting one-skillet dinner featuring tender chicken cubes and rice coated in a rich glaze. Ready in under 40 minutes for a perfect weeknight family favorite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds boneless chicken breast, cubed Cut evenly for uniform cooking
  • 2 tablespoons honey Creates a sticky glaze
  • 0.75 cup barbecue sauce Choose a bold, smoky flavor
  • 3 cups cooked white rice Leftover cold rice works best
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For searing the meat

Equipment

  • 1 Cast iron skillet Distributes heat evenly
  • 1 wooden mixing spoon Great for breaking up rice clumps
  • 1 Chef's knife For cubing the chicken breast

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Add the cubed chicken breast into the hot oil in a single flat layer.
  3. Sear the chicken pieces undisturbed for four minutes until a rich golden brown crust develops on the bottom.
  4. Flip the chicken portions using a spatula and cook for two additional minutes until completely opaque.
  5. Reduce the stovetop burner temperature down to medium-low to protect the sugars from burning.
  6. Pour the honey and bold barbecue sauce directly over the warm chicken in the skillet.
  7. Stir the meat continuously for two minutes until the glaze bubbles up into a thick glossy coating.
  8. Dump the cold cooked rice into the pan and stir gently until the grains absorb the smoky sauce completely.

Notes

Turn down the stovetop heat to medium-low before adding the honey and sauce to prevent the sugars from scorching.