Description
This Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet is a one-pan wonder that’s bursting with bold flavors. Smoky chipotle peppers, tangy BBQ sauce, and tender chicken come together with fluffy rice for an easy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced (or more to taste)
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and chipotle pepper, and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the Rice: Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, letting it toast lightly in the skillet.
- Simmer the Rice: Add the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and ground cumin to the skillet. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the skillet. Cover and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add more chipotle peppers or adobo sauce.
- You can substitute brown rice for white rice, but adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
- If you want to make this dish ahead of time, cook it up to the point of adding the chicken back in, then refrigerate and reheat with a little extra broth to loosen up the rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (out of 4)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 880
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 75mg