Description

Craving a sweet, smoky, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in? Look no further than Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Rice! This delightful recipe combines tender chicken thighs or breasts with fluffy rice, vibrant mixed vegetables, and a luscious honey-BBQ sauce, all effortlessly prepared in a slow cooker. The blend of garlic, onion, and smoked paprika adds depth, while the honey brings a touch of sweetness that balances the tangy BBQ flavor.

Ingredients

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts (1 lb): Juicy and versatile, perfect for slow cooking.
- Substitution: Bone-in chicken (increase cooking time slightly), pork loin, or tofu for a vegetarian option (adjust cooking time for tofu).
Long-Grain Rice (1 cup): Absorbs the flavorful sauce and broth.
- Substitution: Jasmine rice, basmati rice, or brown rice (increase cooking time by 1 hour for brown rice).
Chicken Broth (2 cups): Provides savory depth and cooks the rice.
- Substitution: Vegetable broth or water with a bouillon cube.
BBQ Sauce (½ cup, your choice): Adds smoky, tangy flavor.
- Substitution: Homemade BBQ sauce or a mix of ketchup, molasses, and vinegar for a custom blend.
Honey (¼ cup): Brings sweetness to balance the BBQ tang.
- Substitution: Maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Infuses the dish with savory warmth.
- Substitution: 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced, or ½ tsp garlic salt (reduce added salt).
Onion Powder (1 tsp): Adds sweet, savory depth.
- Substitution: ½ small onion, finely chopped, or ½ tsp onion salt (reduce added salt).
Smoked Paprika (½ tsp): Provides smoky, earthy notes.
- Substitution: Regular paprika or a pinch of chipotle powder for heat.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Enhances all the flavors.
- Substitution: Sea salt or low-sodium options for dietary needs.
Mixed Vegetables (1 cup, frozen or fresh): Adds color, texture, and nutrition (e.g., carrots, peas, corn, or green beans).
- Substitution: Bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini (fresh or frozen).
Chopped Green Onions or Parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds fresh, vibrant flavor and color.
- Substitution: Chives, cilantro, or no garnish.

Why They’re Important: The chicken provides a hearty protein base, rice soaks up the flavorful sauce, and vegetables add crunch and nutrition. The honey-BBQ sauce, spiced with garlic, onion, and paprika, delivers the signature sweet-smoky taste, while garnishes elevate the dish with freshness and flair.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper.
Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker in a single layer.
- Tip: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels for better seasoning adhesion, and trim excess fat for a cleaner dish. Searing is optional for slow cooker recipes, but you can sear the chicken in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side for extra flavor if desired.

Step 2: Add Rice and Liquids

Sprinkle 1 cup long-grain rice evenly over the chicken.
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups chicken broth, ½ cup BBQ sauce, and ¼ cup honey until well combined. Pour this mixture over the rice and chicken, ensuring the rice is fully submerged.
- Tip: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to reduce stickiness, and stir the sauce gently to distribute the BBQ flavor.

Step 3: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the rice has absorbed the liquid.
Check at the lower end of the time range to avoid overcooking; the rice should be tender but not mushy, and the chicken should be juicy.
- Tip: Avoid lifting the lid too often to maintain heat. If the rice looks dry, add ¼ cup more broth and cook for an additional 15-30 minutes.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh) over the rice and chicken. Stir gently if needed to incorporate.
Cover and continue cooking until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
- Tip: Frozen vegetables cook faster, so add them closer to 15-20 minutes if you prefer them crisp-tender. Fresh vegetables may need the full 30 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred or chop it, then return it to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the rice, vegetables, and sauce.
Serve hot, spooning the mixture into bowls or plates, and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for freshness and color.
- Tip: For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water to form a slurry, stir into the slow cooker, and cook on high for 10-15 minutes before serving.