Description

A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring juicy chicken cubes and fluffy rice tossed in a sweet, sticky, and savory honey BBQ glaze. Perfect for busy parents who need a flavorful meal in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups water
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp cooking oil (avocado or vegetable)
1 cup barbecue sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Rinse the rice under cold water until clear. Combine with water in a medium pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
While rice cooks, pat chicken breasts dry and slice into 1-inch cubes. Season with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken cubes in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, add cooked rice and pour the sauce mixture over it. Toss gently and simmer for 2-3 minutes until rice absorbs the sauce and it thickens slightly.
Return chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly. Heat through for 1 minute.
Remove from heat, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir into the simmering sauce. If using leftover cold rice, break up clumps before adding to the pan. Do not freeze this dish as the rice texture becomes mushy after thawing. The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 450
Sugar: 25
Sodium: 800
Fat: 10
Saturated Fat: 2
Carbohydrates: 50
Fiber: 2
Protein: 30

Keywords: honey BBQ chicken, quick dinner, weeknight meals, one pan recipe, chicken and rice, easy family dinner, gluten-free option