Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup brown rice - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (preferably honey-infused) - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen) - 1 cup bell peppers, diced (mixed colors for visual appeal) - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped - 1 avocado, sliced - Sesame seeds for garnish (optional) The main ingredients create a tasty base for your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl. The chicken provides protein and flavor. The brown rice gives you a hearty base. The honey-infused BBQ sauce ties it all together with sweet and smoky goodness. Seasonings like smoked paprika and garlic powder add depth. For optional ingredients, I love adding colorful bell peppers and corn. They not only boost nutrition but make the dish look great. Green onions add a fresh crunch, and avocado gives a creamy touch. If you want a little flair, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have. The great thing about this dish is its flexibility. You can customize it to suit your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, rinse 1 cup of brown rice under cold water. This step helps remove excess starch and makes the rice less sticky. Next, in a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 40-45 minutes. The rice will become tender and absorb all the water. After cooking, remove the pot from heat and fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Now, let’s prepare the marinade for the chicken. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Place the 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it is well coated. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper flavor, marinate it for up to 2 hours in the fridge. Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side. Make sure it is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. In the same skillet, add 1 cup of diced bell peppers and 1 cup of corn. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes. You want the bell peppers to become tender and slightly charred. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. To assemble your Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl, start by layering the cooked brown rice at the bottom of each serving bowl. Then, add the sautéed vegetables on top. Next, place the sliced BBQ chicken over the veggies. Don’t forget to add sliced avocado for creaminess. Finally, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an extra touch. If you like, drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce over the top before serving. Enjoy your delicious creation! To make the best chicken for your bowl, I recommend using a skillet or grill. Both methods give great flavor. For the skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook each side for 6-7 minutes. To check if your chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The inside should reach 165°F (74°C). Cut into the thickest part to check for pink. If it is white and juices run clear, it’s ready. Cooking brown rice takes a bit longer than white rice, but it’s worth it. Rinse the rice first to remove excess starch. Use 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice. Simmer it on low heat for 40-45 minutes. After cooking, fluff the rice with a fork. This keeps it light and airy. Fluffing also helps it absorb flavors better. To boost flavor, consider adding extra seasonings. You might try chili powder or cumin for a bit of heat. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also brighten the dish. If you want to switch up the sauce, try teriyaki or a spicy garlic sauce. These can add a new twist to your bowl. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. This enhances the flavors and keeps the chicken juicy. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute any vegetables you like. Zucchini, broccoli, or even snap peas can add variety and nutrition. Perfectly Cooked Rice: For fluffier rice, let it sit covered for 10 minutes after cooking before fluffing it with a fork. This allows it to absorb any remaining moisture. {{image_2}} - Gluten-free options: To make this dish gluten-free, choose a gluten-free BBQ sauce. Many brands offer this type of sauce. Just ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free, including rice and seasonings. - Vegetarian adaptations: You can swap the chicken for tempeh, tofu, or chickpeas. These options soak up the BBQ sauce well and add protein. Use the same marinade to flavor your vegetarian choice. - Substituting ingredients for personal taste: If you prefer, use quinoa instead of brown rice. Quinoa has a nice nutty flavor that pairs well with BBQ. You can also swap bell peppers for zucchini or carrots, depending on what you have. - Add-ons like cheese or nuts: For a creamier texture, add shredded cheese like cheddar or pepper jack. If you want crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts, like almonds or cashews, on top. - Pairing with sides: This bowl pairs well with a simple salad or steamed veggies. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for extra crunch. - Presentation ideas: Use a large bowl and layer the ingredients neatly. Arrange slices of avocado on top for color. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nice touch. You can also serve it in a mason jar for a fun, portable meal. To store leftovers, place your honey BBQ chicken rice bowl in an airtight container. This keeps the food fresh and tasty. You should eat it within three days for the best flavor and safety. You can freeze this dish if you have extra. First, let it cool down. Then, put the chicken and rice in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use a microwave or the oven. This helps keep the flavors and texture nice. The best way to reheat chicken and rice is in the microwave. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken and rice in a baking dish. Add a bit of water or broth to keep it from drying out. Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes. These tips ensure you enjoy your honey BBQ chicken rice bowl just like when it was fresh! You can use regular BBQ sauce or teriyaki sauce. For a sweeter touch, add a bit of honey. Mix it with soy sauce for a unique flavor. This gives a tasty twist to your dish. Yes, you can prepare the chicken and rice in advance. Cook them and store in the fridge. Just reheat the chicken and rice when you are ready to eat. The flavors will blend well overnight. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white, not pink. Yes! Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Marinate them in the same sauce. You can also add more veggies, like zucchini or mushrooms. This keeps the dish tasty and satisfying. Cook the rice in vegetable or chicken broth instead of water. Add spices like garlic powder or a bay leaf while cooking. You can also mix in some fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. You've learned how to create a tasty chicken and rice bowl. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and ways to make it your own. Remember, use fresh veggies or try new sauces for flavor. Storing leftovers properly helps keep them safe and tasty. Whether you're cooking for yourself or friends, this meal is simple and satisfying. Enjoy experimenting with variations until you find your perfect bowl!$

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl

A delicious and hearty rice bowl featuring marinated chicken, sautéed vegetables, and avocado, drizzled with honey BBQ sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup brown rice
0.5 cup BBQ sauce (preferably honey-infused)
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste Salt and pepper
1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
1 cup bell peppers, diced (mixed colors for visual appeal)
0.25 cup green onions, chopped
1 piece avocado, sliced
to taste Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Rice: Rinse the brown rice under cold water. In a medium pot, combine the rice with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 40-45 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for more flavor).
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the marinade) and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
Prepare the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers and corn. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the peppers are tender and slightly charred. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Assemble the Bowl: In serving bowls, layer the cooked brown rice at the bottom. Top with sautéed vegetables, sliced BBQ chicken, and avocado slices. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if using.
Serve: Drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce over the top if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours.

Keyword BBQ, chicken, healthy, honey, rice bowl