Description
A quick, healthy, and flavorful rice bowl featuring juicy chicken thighs simmered in a sticky sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, served over jasmine rice with fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1.5 cups water (for rice)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon oil (for searing)
- Shredded purple cabbage
- Sliced carrots
- Fresh cilantro
- Green onions, sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water until clear. Combine with 1.5 cups water in a pot, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Pat chicken thighs dry and cut into 1-inch cubes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the honey is dissolved.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the same skillet and let it bubble and reduce for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until chicken is cooked through (165°F) and sauce is sticky.
- While chicken simmers, prepare vegetables by shredding cabbage and slicing carrots.
- Assemble bowls by placing rice at the bottom, topping with chicken, arranging vegetables, and garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
For best results, do not skip searing the chicken to develop flavor. Adjust honey amount based on the sweetness of your BBQ sauce. This recipe is highly adaptable; swap chicken for tofu for a vegan version or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 35
Keywords: chicken rice bowl, honey BBQ chicken, healthy dinner, meal prep, quick weeknight meals, comfort food, gluten-free option, keto friendly