Easy One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner!
Searching for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that the whole family will adore? Look no further! This One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice recipe is a true culinary gem, packed with incredible flavor and ready in just about 40 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, comforting dinner without the mountain of dishes. Get ready to add this BBQ chicken and rice to your regular rotation!
I’m thrilled to share another fantastic one-pot wonder with you! As a huge advocate for efficient and delicious cooking, I simply couldn’t resist bringing you this incredible one-pot BBQ chicken and rice. You know my love for one-pot meals runs deep, and for good reason! They consistently deliver on flavor, convenience, and satisfaction. Whether it’s my One Pot Bacon Alfredo, the family-favorite Sheet Pan BBQ Meatballs, Green Beans, and Potatoes, speedy Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas, or the elegant yet simple One Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta, these recipes are designed to make your life easier and your taste buds happier.
Alongside my cherished slow cooker meals, one-pot dishes are my go-to for their sheer simplicity and incredible results. Imagine: fewer dishes to wash, minimal kitchen fuss, and a symphony of flavors all coexisting in one pan. It’s truly the best kind of meal in my culinary playbook!
This particular BBQ chicken rice recipe stands out with its perfect blend of tender, juicy chicken, your favorite smoky BBQ sauce, sweet corn, mild green chiles, and a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese. Infused with a thoughtful medley of flavorful spices and seasonings, it boasts a delightful Southwestern flair that is simply irresistible. My entire family can’t get enough of it, and I am confident that this barbeque chicken and rice will become an instant hit in your home too!
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice
This isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a game-changer for busy households and anyone who loves great food with minimal effort. Here’s why this BBQ chicken and rice dish will quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection:
- Incredibly Tasty: A harmonious blend of smoky BBQ, savory chicken, and a hint of Southwestern spice creates a flavor profile that’s comforting and exciting all at once.
- Comes Together in One Pot: The ultimate convenience! Cooking everything in a single skillet means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.
- Cleanup is So Easy: With only one pot to wash, your post-dinner routine just got a whole lot simpler. Say goodbye to piles of dirty dishes!
- Full of Bold, Southwestern Flavors: The combination of green chiles, corn, and chili powder gives this dish a vibrant, zesty kick that’s perfectly balanced by the sweet and smoky BBQ sauce.
- Family-Tested and Approved: This recipe has been given the green light by even the pickiest eaters. It’s a crowd-pleaser that delivers on both taste and satisfaction.
- Quick & Convenient: From start to finish, this meal is ready in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when time is precious.
The Magic Behind the Meal: Key Ingredients for Barbeque Chicken Rice
Crafting this flavorful one-pot meal requires a few simple, accessible ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is essential for that perfect taste:
- CHICKEN – I typically opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, as I almost always have them on hand in my freezer. Chicken breast cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. However, feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier result, or even pre-cooked rotisserie chicken if you’re looking to save more time.
- BBQ SAUCE – This is the star that ties all the flavors together, adding a wonderful subtle smokiness and sweetness without being overpowering. The key is to use a BBQ sauce that you genuinely enjoy. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite brand! If you’re feeling adventurous and want to create a truly bespoke flavor, I have recipes for both Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce (rich and sweet) and Texas Style BBQ Sauce (bold and savory) that you can whip up from scratch!
- ONION & GARLIC – These humble aromatics are the foundation of nearly every great savory dish, and this one is no exception. Sautéing chopped onion and minced garlic in a bit of olive oil at the start of your barbeque chicken and rice journey awakens their natural, pungent flavors, setting a delicious base for the entire meal.
- RICE – For a truly “one-pot” experience and to significantly cut down on cooking time, I highly recommend using instant brown rice. It cooks quickly and offers a little extra fiber and nutrition. Instant white rice is also a great alternative if that’s what you prefer or have on hand. The “minute” varieties ensure your meal is done in a flash!
- CHICKEN BROTH – A crucial liquid component, chicken broth is essential for cooking the rice to tender perfection and infusing it with additional savory depth. If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth makes an excellent substitute and works just as well.
- CORN, GREEN CHILES, & TOMATO SAUCE – These canned ingredients are your best friends for convenience, adding not only a burst of vibrant flavor but also beautiful color to the mix. Canned corn brings sweetness, green chiles offer a mild, earthy heat perfect for that Southwestern touch, and tomato sauce provides a rich, tangy base. Using canned varieties ensures ease and consistency.
- CHEESE – Can any truly comforting meal be complete without a generous showering of cheese? It’s sprinkled over the top at the very end, melting into a gooey, irresistible layer that complements the smoky chicken and rice. Shredded cheddar cheese works exceptionally well, but for a different twist, Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack (for an extra kick) would also be absolutely delicious.
- SEASONINGS – A simple yet powerful combination of chili powder, salt, and black pepper is all you need to amplify the Southwestern character of this dish. Chili powder adds warmth and complexity, perfectly rounding out the flavors.
- TOPPINGS – While the dish is fantastic on its own, toppings elevate it to another level! I love finishing this dish with some fresh, chopped tomatoes, creamy diced avocados, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice for brightness, and an optional drizzle of cool ranch dressing. These additions provide freshness, texture, and a burst of contrasting flavors.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Barbeque Chicken and Rice
Creating this flavorful one-pot meal is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time:
- COOK THE CHICKEN & AROMATICS: Begin by adding a couple of tablespoons of olive oil to a large, sturdy skillet and heating it over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your bite-sized chicken breast pieces along with the chopped onion. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. It doesn’t need to be cooked through completely at this stage, as it will continue to cook with the rice. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- ADD THE OTHER INGREDIENTS: Now, it’s time to bring the rest of the magic together! Into the pan, add the instant brown rice, chicken broth, drained corn, tomato sauce, chopped green chiles, your chosen BBQ sauce, chili powder, and season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and the rice is submerged in the liquid.
- COOK & SIMMER: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for 15 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb the liquids and become tender, and the chicken will finish cooking through. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- GARNISH & SERVE: Once the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove the pan from the heat. Immediately sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the hot chicken and rice. Replace the lid and let it sit for a few minutes, allowing the residual heat to perfectly melt the cheese into a gooey, irresistible layer. Just before serving, add your desired fresh toppings, such as chopped tomatoes, diced avocados, fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of ranch dressing. Serve hot and enjoy every delicious spoonful!
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chicken and Rice
Absolutely, and it’s highly recommended for this recipe! The barbecue sauce is not just a condiment; it’s a foundational flavor in this BBQ chicken and rice dish. It adds a wonderful layer of smoky sweetness and tang that infuses into every grain of rice and piece of chicken, creating a deeply satisfying taste. It’s truly what makes this dish so unique and delicious.
Yes, this recipe is incredibly versatile and perfect for utilizing leftover chicken! If you have cooked chicken (shredded or diced), simply add it to the pan after you’ve sautéed the onion and garlic, stirring it briefly to warm through before adding the rice and other liquids. This adjustment will slightly reduce the initial cooking time for the chicken, making the meal even faster.
While raw chicken and rice can technically be cooked together in the same pan, for this specific barbeque chicken rice recipe, I suggest taking a moment to brown the chicken first. This initial step isn’t just for safety; it’s crucial for developing a richer flavor and better texture for the chicken. You don’t need to cook it entirely – just brown the outside until it loses its pink color. The chicken will then continue to cook thoroughly as it simmers with the rice, broth, and other ingredients, ensuring it remains tender and juicy.
If cheddar isn’t your preference or you’re looking to mix things up, there are many delicious alternatives! Monterey Jack is a fantastic choice for its mild, creamy melt. Pepper Jack will add a lovely, subtle kick of spice, enhancing the Southwestern notes. Even a good mozzarella can work for a milder, stretchier cheese pull. Feel free to experiment with a blend of cheeses for even more complex flavor!
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the chicken. You can substitute it with a can of drained and rinsed black beans or chickpeas for protein, or add more vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian. The flavors of the BBQ sauce and Southwestern spices will still shine through!
Leftovers of this One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice are fantastic! Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken or vegetable broth if the rice seems a bit dry. Alternatively, gently reheat in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat, again adding a little liquid to restore moisture.
Pro Tips for the Best Barbecue Chicken with Rice
Achieve perfect results every time with these helpful tips designed to make your One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice truly exceptional:
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken Initially: When browning the chicken, only cook it until it loses its pink color on the outside, about 5-7 minutes. Since the chicken will continue to simmer for another 15 minutes with the rice and other ingredients, browning it thoroughly at the start will lead to dry, tough chicken. This initial browning is just to develop flavor and get a nice sear.
- Add More Veggies for Extra Goodness: Want to boost the nutritional value or add more texture? This dish is incredibly versatile for incorporating extra vegetables. Bell peppers (any color), diced carrots, chopped celery, or even some frozen peas can be added to the pan. If using hardier vegetables like carrots or bell peppers, add them along with the chicken and onion so they have time to soften. Softer vegetables like peas can be stirred in during the last few minutes of simmering.
- Get Creative with Your Toppings: While the suggested toppings (tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, ranch) are fantastic, don’t limit yourself! Think of them as a canvas for your culinary imagination. Other delicious ideas include thinly sliced green onions for a fresh bite, a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess, or even some crushed tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch. A little extra drizzle of BBQ sauce right before serving can also enhance the smoky flavor.
- Consider Your Rice Type: This recipe calls for instant brown rice for speed, but if you prefer regular brown or white rice, you’ll need to adjust the liquid ratio and cooking time according to the rice package instructions. Keep in mind that using regular rice will extend the overall cooking time, and you might need more broth.
- Season to Taste: Always taste your BBQ sauce and the mixture before the final simmer. Adjust chili powder, salt, and pepper as needed. Different BBQ sauces have varying levels of sweetness and spice, so fine-tuning the seasonings is key to perfecting the flavor for your palate.
More Delicious One-Pot Meals To Try
If you loved the ease and flavor of this One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice, you’ll be thrilled to explore more of my favorite single-pot recipes. They’re perfect for simplifying your kitchen routine without sacrificing taste:
- One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo
- One Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe
- One Pot Southwestern Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
- One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta
Thank you so much for stopping by and checking out this fantastic barbeque chicken and rice recipe! I truly hope it brings a burst of flavor and a lot of ease to your dinner table. Don’t forget to let me know what you think when you try it out!
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One Pot Chicken BBQ Rice
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups instant brown rice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (4 oz) can chopped green chiles
- 1/2 cup bbq sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:
- Ranch dressing
- Avocado
- Cilantro
- Tomatoes
Instructions
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In a large skillet, brown chicken and onion with olive oil over medium heat. When chicken is no longer pink on the outside (about 5-7 minutes; don’t worry if it isn’t cooked all the way through, it will have more cooking time while the rice simmers) add in the garlic and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Stir in the instant brown rice, chicken broth, drained corn, tomato sauce, chopped green chilies, BBQ sauce, chili powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the skillet and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking. Remove from heat, then sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese. Replace the lid and allow the cheese to melt for a few minutes. Top with desired fresh toppings just before serving.
Nutrition
