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BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 519 reviews
  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This BBQ Chicken Rice recipe combines tender, flavorful chicken thighs with smoky BBQ sauce-infused rice and vegetables, all cooked together in one skillet for a delicious and easy one-pan meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it features a blend of spices and a hint of honey to balance the savory and sweet flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Rice and Broth

  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Sauce and Seasonings

  • ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables and Garnish

  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
  • Chopped green onions or parsley

Other

  • Oil for searing (about 1-2 tablespoons)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs or breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Place the chicken in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside temporarily.
  3. Toast the Rice: In the same pan with the residual oil and flavor from the chicken, add the uncooked long-grain rice. Toast it while stirring frequently for 1-2 minutes to develop a nutty aroma.
  4. Add Liquids and Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth to the toasted rice, then stir in the BBQ sauce and honey until fully combined to create a flavorful cooking liquid.
  5. Simmer the Chicken and Rice: Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, pressing it slightly into the rice mixture. Bring the contents to a gentle boil.
  6. Cook Covered: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb flavors while the chicken cooks through.
  7. Add Vegetables: After 15 minutes, evenly sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice. Cover again and cook for 5 more minutes to allow vegetables to steam and rice to become tender.
  8. Check Doneness: Ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and that the rice is tender before removing the pan from heat.
  9. Rest and Garnish: Let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes off the heat to let flavors meld. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and garnish with freshly chopped green onions or parsley.
  10. Serve: Serve the BBQ chicken rice hot as a satisfying one-pan meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred, but thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
  • Use your favorite BBQ sauce variety to change the flavor profile from sweet to spicy or smoky.
  • Frozen mixed vegetables are convenient and work well, but fresh vegetables can add a crisp texture.
  • Resting the dish after cooking helps the rice absorb any remaining moisture and improves texture.
  • Check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safety and perfect doneness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: BBQ chicken recipe, one pan chicken rice, BBQ rice skillet, easy dinner, chicken thighs, rice and chicken, skillet meals

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Find it online: https://cookingwithzoe.com/bbq-chicken-rice-recipe/