If you’re looking for a meal that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, this One Pot Chicken BBQ Rice Recipe is going to become your new weeknight hero. I absolutely love how this dish combines tender chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and hearty rice all in one skillet—so there’s minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how simple it was to get such a homey, crowd-pleasing meal on the table in under 40 minutes. Trust me, you’ll find that the balance of spices, tang from the BBQ, and melty cheese on top makes it downright irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Convenience: Fewer dishes and less fuss, making dinner time way less stressful.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: Smoky BBQ sauce with mild spice appeals to both kids and adults.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- Customizable and Flexible: You can tweak the heat, add veggies, or swap ingredients to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this One Pot Chicken BBQ Rice Recipe come together beautifully for a balance of smoky, savory, and slightly tangy flavors. I like to use instant brown rice here because it cooks evenly and absorbs the BBQ sauce without getting mushy—super important for texture. Also, don’t skip the canned green chilies; their subtle kick brings a nice depth without overwhelming the dish.
- Chicken breasts: I usually cut them into bite-sized pieces so each spoonful has tender chicken goodness.
- Small onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the chicken.
- Olive oil: Your go-to cooking oil to brown the chicken and onion perfectly.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for that fragrant punch we all love.
- Instant brown rice: Cooks fast and keeps everything nice and fluffy.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory flavor while cooking the rice.
- Canned corn: Drained, for a touch of natural sweetness and texture.
- Tomato sauce: The base for that rich BBQ flavor meld.
- Chopped green chiles: For a mild heat that complements the BBQ sauce.
- BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand – it’s the star that ties everything together.
- Chili powder: A little extra smokiness and warmth.
- Salt and pepper: To taste—seasoning is key here!
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts on top for a gooey, savory finish.
- Optional toppings: Ranch dressing, fresh avocado, cilantro, and diced tomatoes add freshness and creaminess if you want.
Variations
One of the best things about this One Pot Chicken BBQ Rice Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Over time, I’ve tried tweaking it with what I have on hand or to suit different tastes—feel free to do the same!
- Spicy Kick: I once added some diced jalapeños and a splash of hot sauce for extra heat, and my family loved the punch.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in bell peppers, zucchini, or black beans to add color, nutrition, and texture.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap cheddar with a dairy-free cheese or simply skip it and add avocado on top for creaminess.
- Different Protein: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or even smoked sausage slices for a change in flavor.
How to Make One Pot Chicken BBQ Rice Recipe
Step 1: Brown the chicken and onion
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and chopped onion. I love watching the onions soften and the chicken get a golden color—that’s where the flavor really begins. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken isn’t pink on the outside anymore. Don’t worry if it’s not completely cooked through yet; it will finish cooking with the rice. Resist the urge to crowd the pan here; if your skillet is small, cook in batches to get a nice browning.
Step 2: Add garlic and combine the flavors
Once the chicken and onions look good, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it and stir constantly. At this point, your kitchen is probably already smelling amazing!
Step 3: Stir in rice and liquids
Next, add the instant brown rice, chicken broth, drained corn, tomato sauce, chopped green chiles, BBQ sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined and evenly distributed. This is the fun part—you get to see all the bold colors and smells come together like a symphony!
Step 4: Cover and simmer
Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to check the rice’s tenderness. The rice should be tender but still fluffy, cooking up perfectly by absorbing the liquids and BBQ flavors. Patience here really pays off.
Step 5: Add cheese and toppings
Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Put the lid back on for a few minutes to let the cheese melt into a gooey blanket. I highly recommend having some ranch dressing, avocado slices, chopped cilantro, or diced tomatoes ready on the side to personalize each plate—these toppings bring a cool, fresh element that balances the BBQ richness.
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Chicken BBQ Rice Recipe
- Don’t Skip Searing: Browning the chicken and onions adds layers of flavor you won’t get if you just dump everything in at once.
- Watch the Simmer: Stir occasionally to prevent rice from sticking or burning on the bottom, especially with thicker BBQ sauces.
- Cheese Timing: Adding cheese off the heat and letting it melt under the lid keeps it creamy without making the dish oily.
- Season Gradually: I taste before adding salt and pepper because the broth and BBQ sauce can be salty, so it’s easy to over-season.
How to Serve One Pot Chicken BBQ Rice Recipe
Garnishes
I’m partial to a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro and creamy slices of ripe avocado right on top. They add freshness and help mellow out the smokiness. Sometimes, I drizzle a bit of ranch dressing for an extra tangy creaminess that my kids absolutely love. If you want a pop of color and brightness, diced tomatoes are a fantastic addition too.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is pretty hearty on its own, I often keep sides simple. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, garlic bread, or some steamed broccoli are my go-to’s. But you could also do grilled veggies or even baked sweet potato fries if you want to keep that BBQ vibe going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special family dinner or casual party, I like serving this in mini cast iron skillets or even inside hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun, colorful twist. You could also use little ramekins, layering some cheese and toppings for individual servings—makes it feel extra special without extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After dinner, I let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer them into airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, this One Pot Chicken BBQ Rice stays delicious for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually meld a bit more after sitting overnight, which is a nice bonus!
Freezing
I’ve frozen leftover portions a few times with good results. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers and it should keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove to keep everything moist.
Reheating
For reheating, I prefer warming in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it from drying out. Covering the pan helps steam everything evenly, and if you want, add a little more shredded cheddar during reheating to get that ooey-gooey cheese goodness back.
FAQs
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Can I use regular brown rice instead of instant brown rice?
You can, but keep in mind that regular brown rice takes longer to cook—about 40-45 minutes. If you use it, you’ll want to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly, or pre-cook the rice separately before mixing it with the other ingredients to keep the timing right.
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Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes! Be sure to use gluten-free BBQ sauce and chicken broth, and check that your chili powder doesn’t contain any additives with gluten. The rest of the ingredients naturally don’t contain gluten, making this dish a great candidate for gluten-free meals.
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Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, substitute the chicken breasts with hearty veggies like mushrooms or cubes of tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and pick a vegetarian-friendly BBQ sauce. The rice and sauce combo still packs plenty of flavor!
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What can I substitute for green chilies if I don’t have them?
If you don’t have canned green chilies on hand, you might use diced mild green peppers or a pinch of mild cayenne or smoked paprika instead to mimic the smoky heat. Just adjust to your preferred spice level.
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How do I avoid the rice sticking to the pan?
Stirring occasionally during simmering helps prevent sticking. Also, using a good non-stick skillet or ensuring enough liquid in the pan is essential. If you notice the rice beginning to stick or dry out, add a splash of broth and reduce heat slightly.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Chicken BBQ Rice Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate, and it’s one of those meals I recommend to friends over and over. It’s flavorful, easy, and forgiving enough for cooks of any skill level. Plus, you spend less time scrambling in the kitchen and more time enjoying the smiles around your table. Give this recipe a try—I promise you’ll want to keep it in your rotation for quick dinners that satisfy big cravings without a big mess.
Print
One Pot Chicken BBQ Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
One Pot Chicken BBQ Rice is a deliciously easy and flavorful meal that combines tender chicken breast pieces with savory BBQ sauce, hearty brown rice, and a mix of vegetables all cooked together in a single skillet. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and optional fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro, this recipe makes a perfect quick weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (4 oz) can chopped green chiles
Grains and Liquids
- 2 cups instant brown rice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
Seasonings and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: Ranch dressing
- Optional: Avocado slices
- Optional: Cilantro
- Optional: Tomatoes
Instructions
- Brown the chicken and onion: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. It’s okay if the chicken isn’t fully cooked through at this stage.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and onions. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Add rice and liquids: Stir in the instant brown rice, chicken broth, corn, tomato sauce, chopped green chiles, BBQ sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together to evenly combine.
- Simmer the mixture: Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add cheese and melt: Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Replace the lid and let stand for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve with toppings: Serve the BBQ chicken rice hot, topped with your choice of optional toppings such as ranch dressing, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or diced tomatoes for added flavor and freshness.
Notes
- This recipe is a quick and easy one-pot meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Using instant brown rice significantly cuts down cooking time without sacrificing the wholesome benefits of brown rice.
- Feel free to swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer a juicier texture.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder and BBQ sauce to suit your taste preference for spice and sweetness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the cheddar cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
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
