One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe
Let’s talk about the ultimate comfort food mashup: the One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe. Imagine all the smoky, tangy, stick-to-your-ribs flavors of your favorite barbecue dinner, but magically whipped up using just one pot and a handful of simple ingredients. Juicy chicken, fluffy rice, sweet corn, and cheddar—all beautifully tangled with rich BBQ sauce—it’s a weeknight lifesaver that packs incredible flavor into every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping for yourself, this dish is the definition of easy, crowd-pleasing, and downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how each ingredient in this One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe plays a role in creating bold taste, lovely texture, and eye-catching colors. With just a few pantry and fridge staples, you’re set for a knockout dinner that feels both special and effortless.
- Olive oil: Starts everything off with richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs offer juiciness, while breasts keep things lighter; choose your favorite!
- Yellow onion: Adds a mellow, savory sweetness as the aromatic base.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives that irresistible depth you can’t skip.
- Long-grain white rice: Absorbs all the flavors while staying perfectly fluffy and tender.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the rice and chicken with extra savory goodness.
- BBQ sauce: The star of the show—choose sweet, smoky, or spicy depending on your mood!
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle hint of smoke that echoes classic BBQ flavors.
- Salt: Brings all the savory elements to life—don’t skimp!
- Black pepper: Just a touch to brighten and balance the dish.
- Frozen corn (optional): Lends pops of sweetness and color for extra appeal.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): If you love melty, gooey goodness, this is your finishing move.
- Chopped green onions or parsley: Your go-to garnish, adding a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Make One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat that olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your chicken pieces and let them sizzle for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring now and then. You want them to get a lovely golden color, but don’t worry about cooking them all the way through yet—they’ll finish up with the rice.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Once your chicken is looking good, stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook everything for another 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the onions are soft and your kitchen smells like absolute heaven.
Step 3: Add Rice and Flavorings
Now pour in your uncooked long-grain rice, chicken broth, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give it all a solid stir to make sure every grain of rice gets coated in those flavorful liquids and spices.
Step 4: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then quickly reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer away for 18 to 20 minutes. When it’s done, the rice should be perfectly tender and the liquid mostly absorbed.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
If you’re using frozen corn and cheddar cheese, this is their moment. Toss them in, cover, and let the dish cook for another 2 minutes so the veggies heat through and the cheese gets melty and irresistible.
Step 6: Fluff and Garnish
Grab a fork and gently fluff the mixture for the ideal texture. Sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley over the top for a burst of freshness, and serve immediately while it’s steaming and full of flavor.
How to Serve One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe is pure fun: a sprinkle of sliced green onions adds a mild oniony bite, while fresh parsley brings a pop of color and herbal brightness. Feeling extra? Crispy fried onions or a handful of diced pickles can take each forkful to the next level.
Side Dishes
While this dish is a meal-in-one, you can definitely round it out with a classic side or two. Creamy coleslaw adds crunch and tang, cornbread turns it into a Southern supper, and a crisp green salad keeps things fresh and light. Even a scoop of baked beans would feel right at home.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to up the wow factor, serve your One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets for a rustic, “straight from the oven” feel. You can also stuff the rice into roasted bell peppers or use it as a filling for wraps—perfect for next-day leftovers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pack any leftovers into airtight containers—you’ll thank yourself the next day. The flavors meld even more overnight, making cold or reheated portions extra tasty for lunch or an easy dinner.
Freezing
Yes, this dish is freezer-friendly! Cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave covered until hot, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems a bit dry. On the stovetop, warm gently over low heat, stirring in extra BBQ sauce if you want even more saucy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely, but remember that brown rice takes longer to cook and may need additional liquid. Start checking for doneness after about 35 minutes and add broth as needed.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use for this?
Your favorite makes the best choice! Whether you’re into smoky, sweet, or spicy, the BBQ sauce defines the flavor of your One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the chicken with plant-based “chicken” or extra beans, swap chicken broth for veggie broth, and make sure your BBQ sauce is vegetarian. It’ll still be delicious.
Do I have to use cheese?
Nope! The cheese is optional. The recipe is fabulous with or without it—if you’re dairy-free or just not in the mood, feel free to skip or use a vegan cheese alternative.
How spicy is this dish?
The classic One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe is mild, but you control the heat. Pick a spicy BBQ sauce or add a pinch of cayenne to turn up the fire if that’s your style.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe, it’ll quickly become your answer to “what’s for dinner?” on even the busiest nights. It’s easy, comforting, and practically guaranteed to earn rave reviews at the table. Give it a try soon, and don’t forget to savor every bite!
Print
One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delicious and easy-to-make One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, flavorful BBQ sauce, and fluffy rice come together in one skillet for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, add chicken, and cook until lightly browned.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add Rice and Broth: Stir in rice, broth, BBQ sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Finish: Stir in corn, cheese (if using), cook until heated through. Garnish and serve.
Notes
- Customize with your preferred BBQ sauce flavor.
- Enhance texture with crispy fried onions or a side of coleslaw.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
