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Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken and Cheddar Rice Bowls

sticky honey BBQ chicken and cheddar rice bowls - featured image
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Juicy chicken glazed in a sticky honey BBQ sauce is served over creamy cheddar rice for a quick, comforting, and flavor-packed dinner. This easy 30-minute meal is perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: sliced green onions, chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, extra shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon or crispy fried onions

Instructions

  1. Cube the chicken and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Prepare all sauce ingredients and shred cheddar if needed. If using uncooked rice, start cooking it now.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to brown, then flip and cook until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F). Spoon off excess liquid for crispier edges if needed.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add BBQ sauce, honey, hot sauce (if using), and apple cider vinegar to the pan. Stir to coat chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
  4. While chicken cooks, melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add cooked rice and milk, stirring until hot and creamy. Add shredded cheddar and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add more milk if needed for creaminess.
  5. Scoop cheddar rice into bowls. Top with sticky honey BBQ chicken and desired toppings such as green onions, extra cheddar, cilantro, or crispy onions.
  6. Serve immediately while hot. If holding, cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Notes

For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free BBQ sauce and double-check all packaged ingredients. For dairy-free, use plant-based cheese and milk. Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken for best browning. Add veggies or swap proteins as desired. Leftovers reheat well; add a splash of milk to rice for creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey BBQ chicken, cheddar rice bowl, easy dinner, 30 minute meal, comfort food, sticky chicken, weeknight dinner, family recipe, cheesy rice, BBQ chicken bowl

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/sticky-honey-bbq-chicken-and-cheddar-rice-bowls-easy-30-minute-dinner/