Honey BBQ Chicken Pilaf Express (Print Version)

Sweet, smoky chicken pairs with pilaf for a satisfying quick meal packed with rich barbecue flavors.

# What You’ll Need:

→ For the Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1/2 cup honey
03 - 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ For the Pilaf

08 - 1 cup long grain white rice
09 - 2 cups chicken broth
10 - 1/2 cup diced onion
11 - 1/4 cup diced celery
12 - 1/4 cup diced carrot
13 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
14 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

# How to Make It:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
02 - Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and coat evenly with marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
03 - Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion, celery, and carrot for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened.
04 - Add rice to the saucepan and stir to coat grains with butter and vegetables. Pour in chicken broth, add salt and pepper, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
05 - Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reads 165°F.
06 - Let grilled chicken rest for 3 minutes. Slice as desired and serve with pilaf on the side.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Ready in under forty minutes on busy nights
  • Minimal cleanup because everything cooks in just two pans
  • Family friendly flavors that even picky eaters devour
  • Works with boneless thighs or breasts so you can use what is in your freezer
  • The honey BBQ glaze caramelizes deliciously and doubles as a sauce
02 -
  • Rich in protein for a truly satisfying meal
  • Easily doubled for meal prep or feeding a crowd
  • Tastes just as good with leftover grilled chicken
  • The BBQ sauce is my personal favorite ingredient Swapping different brands or even making your own keeps the dish exciting year round My kids love swirling extra sauce into their rice and always say it tastes like summer
03 -
  • Do not rush browning the chicken That golden crust is key for flavor
  • Toast the rice in butter to bring out toasty nutty notes before adding broth
  • For extra depth blend a little chipotle or smoked chili into your BBQ sauce