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
Scale
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
