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To make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 cups cooked jasmine rice - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1/2 cup honey - 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped (for garnish) - 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed until tender - 1 ripe avocado, sliced (optional for added creaminess) You can easily swap some ingredients if needed: - Chicken thighs can be replaced with chicken breasts for a leaner option. - Use agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan choice. - Any BBQ sauce can work, so choose one that you love. - If you don't have jasmine rice, any rice type will do. - For a crunch, you can add nuts like cashews or peanuts instead of avocado. A serving of Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls provides: - Calories: About 480 - Protein: 30 grams - Carbohydrates: 70 grams - Fat: 12 grams This meal is filling and packed with nutrients. The chicken offers protein, while the rice provides carbs for energy. Add broccoli for fiber and vitamins. If you include avocado, you’ll gain healthy fats too. Enjoy a well-rounded meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to make the marinade. In a medium bowl, mix together: - 1/2 cup honey - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Whisk until everything blends well. Next, add 1 pound of diced chicken thighs. Stir to coat each piece in the marinade. Cover the bowl and put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit longer for better taste. After the chicken has marinated, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken. Make sure to discard any extra marinade. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir it often. The chicken should be fully cooked and golden brown. Once done, take it off the heat and let it rest for a minute. Now, it's time to put everything together. Start by placing 2 cups of warm jasmine rice in each serving bowl. This rice makes a great base. Next, add the caramelized chicken on top of the rice. Then, add 1 cup of steamed broccoli florets for color and health. If you want extra creaminess, slice a ripe avocado and place it on top. Finally, sprinkle some chopped green onions to add a fresh touch before serving. Enjoy your meal! To get juicy chicken, use boneless, skinless thighs. They stay moist during cooking. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. This helps it cook faster and keeps it tender. Heat your skillet over medium heat before adding the chicken. This ensures a nice sear. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring often. Look for a golden-brown color on the outside. This shows it’s cooked and full of flavor. Marinating is key for flavor. Start by mixing honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Whisk these together until smooth. Next, add the chicken pieces to the bowl. Make sure every piece gets coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge. For best results, let it marinate for a few hours or overnight. This allows the chicken to soak in all the tasty flavors. Seasonings can take your dish to the next level. Use garlic powder and onion powder for a savory base. Smoked paprika adds a nice, smoky flavor. Black pepper gives it a little kick. You can also experiment with other spices like cumin or chili powder. For a fresh touch, add chopped green onions on top before serving. They add color and a burst of flavor that brightens the dish. These simple tips will make your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls truly stand out! Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate for longer than 30 minutes, ideally several hours or overnight, infuses it with a deeper flavor and tenderness. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onion can elevate the dish further. Consider using minced garlic and finely chopped onion instead of powders for a more vibrant taste. Customize Your Bowls: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or snap peas to your bowls for added texture and nutrition. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: To ensure your chicken stays juicy, avoid overcooking. It should be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). {{image_4}} You can switch the chicken for other proteins. Try using diced pork or shrimp. Both cook fast and soak up the BBQ sauce well. For pork, I suggest using tenderloin or shoulder. For shrimp, choose large, raw shrimp for the best taste. Cook the shrimp for just a few minutes until they turn pink. This gives you a quick and tasty meal. If you prefer a vegetarian option, use tofu or tempeh. Both are great at absorbing flavors. Press and cube firm tofu before marinating it like the chicken. Use the same honey BBQ sauce to coat it. If you like tempeh, steam it first to soften. Then slice it and marinate. Both options provide a nice texture and taste. While jasmine rice is great, you can use other grains. Try brown rice for added fiber and nutrients. Quinoa is another option; it’s light and nutty. Cauliflower rice works for a low-carb meal. Just sauté it lightly before adding your toppings. Each grain brings its own flavor and health benefits, making your meal even better. To store any leftover Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to let the bowls cool down first. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can separate the chicken and rice if you prefer. Store them in the fridge for best results. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, reheating them is simple. You can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, place the bowl in for about 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to heat evenly. For the skillet, heat over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. Add a splash of water if things seem dry. You can store the leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. In the freezer, they can last for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. Enjoy your tasty bowls later! Yes, you can make this recipe in advance. Marinate the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This lets the flavors soak in well. You can also cook the chicken and keep it in the fridge for a few days. Just reheat it when you are ready to serve. This saves time on busy days. To add spice, try using spicy BBQ sauce. You can also mix in some red pepper flakes or sriracha. For extra heat, chop up fresh jalapeños and add them to the chicken while cooking. Adjust the spice level based on your taste. Experimenting is key to finding the right balance for you. These rice bowls are delicious on their own. However, you can serve them with a fresh salad or roasted veggies. For a fun twist, pair them with tortilla chips and salsa. If you want more protein, add hard-boiled eggs or beans. These sides will make your meal even more satisfying and colorful. This blog post covered how to make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls. We looked at ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfect chicken. I also shared fun variations and how to store leftovers. These bowls are easy to customize, so don’t be afraid to try new things. Whether you want to spice it up or go vegetarian, you can make it work. Enjoy your cooking adventure and make these rice bowls your own!

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls

Delicious rice bowls featuring marinated chicken thighs in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, served with jasmine rice, steamed broccoli, and optional avocado.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed until tender
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced (optional for added creaminess)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Ensure the mixture is well integrated and set aside.
  • Add the diced chicken thighs to the bowl, stirring to evenly coat each piece in the flavorful marinade. Cover the bowl and allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes; for best results, let it marinate for a few hours or overnight.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated chicken to the skillet, discarding any remaining marinade. Sauté the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is fully cooked through and has developed a lovely caramelized exterior.
  • When the chicken is done cooking, remove the skillet from the heat and set the chicken aside to rest.
  • To assemble the rice bowls, place a generous scoop of warm cooked jasmine rice into each serving bowl, creating a substantial base.
  • Arrange the caramelized chicken atop the rice, then add a handful of the steamed broccoli florets for a pop of color and nutrition.
  • For an extra layer of flavor and creaminess, gently place a few slices of ripe avocado on top of the dish (if using).
  • Finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions over the bowls to add freshness and a burst of flavor right before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight.
Keyword BBQ, chicken, easy dinner, honey, rice bowl