Step 1: Sear the Chicken

• Pat the cubed chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season them generously all over with the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Heat a large skillet or a deep pan with a lid over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil (about 1 tablespoon) to the hot pan.
• Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pan. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until nicely golden brown on the outside. (The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage, as it will continue to cook with the rice).
• Remove the seared chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

• In the same pan (don’t wipe out those flavorful chicken drippings!), add the uncooked long-grain rice.
• Toast the rice over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes slightly translucent or gives off a nutty aroma. This step really enhances the rice’s flavor.
• Pour in the chicken broth. Stir in your chosen BBQ sauce and the honey. Scrape the bottom of the pan with your spoon or spatula to lift any flavorful browned bits left from searing the chicken – that’s all good flavor! Bring this mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Simmer Everything Together

• Return the seared chicken pieces (along with any accumulated juices from the plate) back to the pan, nestling them gently into the rice and liquid mixture.
• Once the liquid returns to a gentle boil, immediately reduce the heat to low.
• Cover the pan tightly with the lid and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Try not to lift the lid during this time, as the steam is important for cooking the rice.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

• After the 15 minutes of simmering, remove the lid. Sprinkle the mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh) evenly over the top of the rice and chicken.
• Quickly place the lid back on the pan.
• Continue cooking, covered, for 5 more minutes, or until the rice is tender, all the liquid has been absorbed, and the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

• Remove the pan from the heat. Let it sit, still covered, for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to finish steaming and makes it fluffier.
• After resting, remove the lid and gently fluff the rice and chicken mixture with a fork, distributing the vegetables.
• Garnish generously with chopped fresh green onions or parsley, if desired. Serve the Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice hot, directly from the pan or portioned into bowls. Enjoy