If you’re looking for a dinner that’s genuinely effortless but still packs a punch of flavor and comfort, you’ve got to try this One Pot BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe. It’s one of those gems I keep tucked away for busy weeknights when I want something hearty, tasty, and minimal cleanup. Trust me, after making it a few times, you’ll see why my family goes crazy for this dish—it’s all about that perfect blend of smoky BBQ, tender chicken, and fluffy rice cooked all in one pan.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Convenience: Cleanup is a breeze when everything cooks together in just one skillet.
- Flavor-Packed Comfort: The smoky BBQ sauce with tender chicken and savory spices creates a homestyle comfort food vibe.
- Quick & Family Friendly: Ready in about 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want to feed hungry mouths fast.
- Versatile with Toppings: Customize it with toppings like avocado, ranch, or fresh cilantro to keep it fresh and fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One Pot BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe is how simple yet harmonious the ingredients are. Each one brings something special to the table—like the smoky BBQ sauce balancing the mild heat from the green chiles, and the instant brown rice absorbing all those saucy flavors.
- Chicken breasts: I prefer using boneless, skinless for easy, bite-sized pieces that cook quickly and stay juicy.
- Small onion: Adds a mild sweetness and depth—don’t skip it even if you’re tempted to!
- Olive oil: For browning the chicken and onion; extra virgin is great but regular works fine too.
- Garlic cloves: Minced garlic infuses the dish with rich aroma and flavor.
- Instant brown rice: I love instant for this recipe because it cooks fast and holds up nicely when simmered with sauce.
- Chicken broth: Gives the rice moisture and savory depth—you can swap in veggie broth for a lighter option.
- Canned corn: Adds a pop of sweetness and texture; draining is key to avoid extra liquid.
- Tomato sauce: Provides a rich body and slight tang that complements the BBQ flavors.
- Chopped green chiles: A little kick without overwhelming the dish; canned is perfect for this.
- BBQ sauce: The star of the dish! Use your favorite brand—sweet, smoky, or tangy depending on your mood.
- Chili powder: Boosts the smoky-spicy profile, but don’t overdo it if you want to keep things mild.
- Salt and pepper: Season thoughtfully since broth and BBQ sauce add saltiness, adjust to taste.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: A melty, cheesy finish that makes everything extra comforting.
Variations
This recipe is honestly a great canvas—there are so many ways I’ve played with it depending on what’s in my fridge or what my family’s craving. Don’t be shy about making it your own!
- Spicy Kick: Once I added a diced jalapeño or swapped green chiles for chipotle peppers—wow, the smoky heat was next level.
- Veggie Boost: Sometimes I toss in bell peppers or black beans for extra nutrition and texture.
- Dairy-Free Version: Skip the cheddar cheese or use a plant-based alternative, and it still tastes fantastic.
- Different Protein: Tried this with shredded rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts when I was short on time—still delicious!
How to Make One Pot BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Chicken and Onion Until Golden
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and chopped onion. I usually stir often to get an even golden color on the chicken. After about 5–7 minutes, the chicken will be mostly cooked through but don’t worry if there’s still a hint of pink—that’ll finish cooking when the rice simmers. Then toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes to bring out its wonderful aroma, careful not to burn it.
Step 2: Stir in Rice, Sauces, and Veggies
Now for the magic. Add the instant brown rice, chicken broth, drained corn, tomato sauce, chopped green chiles, BBQ sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Give everything a good stir to combine, making sure the rice is evenly distributed and coated with the sauce. This is where the flavors start to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Simmer Covered Until Rice is Tender
Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You’ll notice the rice soak up all those saucy flavors and become tender. Be patient here—this step is key to getting the perfect texture and melding of flavors.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Optional Toppings Before Serving
Once the rice is cooked and tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then cover again for a few minutes until the cheese melts beautifully. If you’re like me, you’ll love topping it with ranch dressing, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and chopped tomatoes—these add freshness and creaminess that balance the smoky richness.
Pro Tips for Making One Pot BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Use a large enough skillet so the chicken browns nicely and you have space for rice to cook evenly.
- Mind the Liquid Amount: Adjust broth quantity slightly if you use a different rice variety to ensure perfect tenderness without sogginess.
- Keep the Lid On: Resist the temptation to lift the lid too often while simmering; the steam is what cooks the rice through.
- Customize Heat Carefully: Adding extra chili powder or peppers is fine, but add gradually to keep the balance just right for your family’s taste.
How to Serve One Pot BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
Garnishes
I always go for a handful of freshly chopped cilantro—it brightens the whole dish and adds a pop of color. Creamy diced avocado brings a smoothness that pairs beautifully with the BBQ flavors. Ranch dressing is a favorite of mine and my kids’ for drizzling on top. And don’t forget some diced fresh tomatoes if you want a bit of juicy freshness.
Side Dishes
Because this meal is pretty hearty on its own, I like to keep sides light and fresh—think simple green salads, roasted veggies, or even some grilled corn on the cob. A side of coleslaw also adds a refreshing crunch that complements the smoky BBQ notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on game day or casual dinner parties, serve the One Pot BBQ Chicken Rice in small cast iron skillets at the table. Top with a dollop of sour cream, extra shredded cheddar, and a lime wedge for guests to customize. It turns a simple dish into a crowd-pleasing experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it’s sometimes even better the next day! Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to keep freshness.
Freezing
Freezing works well with this recipe. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just a heads up—the texture of the rice might soften slightly after freezing, but the flavors stay delicious.
Reheating
Reheat on the stove in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the moisture. Microwave works too—just cover the dish to trap steam—though I prefer the stove method for a fresher texture. Add extra cheese on top for that melty goodness!
FAQs
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Can I use regular brown rice instead of instant in the One Pot BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe?
You can, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Regular brown rice typically takes longer to cook (around 40-45 minutes) and may require more broth. Make sure to increase the broth amount and cook the rice separately or allow a longer simmer before adding cheese and toppings.
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Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe has a mild to medium spice level thanks to the chopped green chiles and chili powder. If you prefer less heat, reduce the chili powder or omit the green chiles. For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or hot sauce to suit your taste.
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Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap chicken for hearty veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or extra corn and beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and keep the BBQ sauce vegetarian. It still comes together wonderfully as a comforting meat-free meal.
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Can I use homemade BBQ sauce?
Yes! Homemade BBQ sauce works brilliantly and lets you tailor the sweetness, smokiness, and spice. Just make sure it’s a sauce that’s not too watery, so your rice doesn’t become soggy during cooking.
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What’s the best type of skillet to use for this recipe?
A large, heavy-bottomed skillet with a lid—cast iron or nonstick—works best to brown the chicken evenly and simmer the rice without scorching. Make sure the lid fits tightly to trap steam for perfect rice texture.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this One Pot BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe turns out every single time—it’s just that perfect combo of quick, flavorful, and comforting. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how the rice soaked up all those BBQ notes and how easy the whole process was. If you’re juggling a busy schedule like me, this recipe becomes a go-to you’ll want to have on repeat. Give it a try, throw on your favorite toppings, and watch your family dig in happily. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate!
Print
One Pot BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pot Chicken BBQ Rice is a flavorful and hearty meal that combines tender chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and wholesome instant brown rice all cooked together in a single skillet for easy cleanup. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is loaded with savory spices, vegetables, and melty cheddar cheese, offering a satisfying and well-balanced dish the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Main 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 slices
- Cilantro
- Chopped tomatoes
Instructions
- Brown the chicken and onion: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cut chicken breasts and chopped onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink. It does not need to be fully cooked as it will continue cooking with the rice.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring consistently to prevent burning and to release its aroma.
- Add remaining ingredients and simmer: Stir in the instant brown rice, chicken broth, drained corn, tomato sauce, chopped green chiles, BBQ sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low, allowing the mixture to simmer for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, until the rice is tender.
- Melt the cheese: Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, cover again, and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts completely.
- Serve with toppings: Serve the BBQ chicken rice hot, topped with any of the optional toppings such as ranch dressing, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or chopped tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- This recipe uses instant brown rice to speed up cooking time, making it convenient for weeknight meals.
- Adjust the level of chili powder and BBQ sauce based on your spice preference.
- Optional toppings like avocado and cilantro add fresh flavor and creaminess to the dish.
- One pot cooking minimizes cleanup and makes this an easy meal prep option.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 412 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 945 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.01 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 76 mg
