Weeknights can be hectic, but with this One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice recipe, you can create a hearty, flavorful meal without all the hassle. Perfectly seasoned chicken, tender rice, and a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce come together in a single pot to make dinner a breeze. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also loaded with flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining friends, this one-pot wonder is sure to impress.
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Why You’ll Love This One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe
This One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice dish is the ultimate combination of convenience and taste. With just one pot to clean, it’s the perfect option for busy weeknights. The juicy chicken thighs are cooked to perfection and paired with tender rice, making it a complete meal. The addition of black beans and corn adds texture, while the melty colby jack cheese on top finishes it all off with a creamy touch. Plus, it’s a great way to get your protein, veggies, and carbs all in one dish.
Ingredients for One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this mouthwatering One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice:
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps cook the chicken evenly.
• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, they absorb the BBQ sauce beautifully.
• BBQ sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky, sweet flavor that elevates the dish.
• Onion: Provides savory depth to the dish.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor and complements the BBQ sauce.
• Frozen corn: Adds a pop of sweetness and color.
• Black beans: Packed with protein, they give the dish a hearty texture.
• Short-grain white rice: This type of rice absorbs flavors well and provides a sticky, satisfying base.
• Chicken stock: Provides moisture and enhances the overall flavor.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning the dish perfectly.
• Shredded colby jack cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture.
• Avocado, diced tomatoes, and fresh herbs (optional): These toppings add freshness and extra flavor.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking to adjust this recipe for dietary preferences or ingredient availability, here are some swaps you can try:
• Chicken breasts: If you prefer white meat, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can replace the thighs. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they don’t dry out.
• Vegan BBQ sauce: For a plant-based version, use a vegan BBQ sauce to keep the smoky flavor intact.
• Brown rice: If you prefer a whole-grain option, brown rice can be used instead of short-grain white rice, though cooking times may vary.
• Cheddar or mozzarella cheese: Swap the colby jack for any other cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to customize the flavor.
How to Make One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice
Follow these simple steps to make this One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice dish:
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and season them with salt and pepper. Sear both sides for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the BBQ sauce, frozen corn, black beans, and rice to the skillet. Stir everything together to coat the rice with the sauce and mix in the vegetables and beans.
- Add Chicken Stock: Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up, and cover with a lid.
- Simmer and Cook: Reduce the heat to low and let everything cook for about 30-35 minutes. Check occasionally to ensure the rice is cooking properly and absorbing the liquid. If needed, add a bit more chicken stock or water.
- Melt the Cheese: Once the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked, sprinkle the shredded colby jack cheese over the chicken. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt for 3-4 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with diced avocado, fresh tomatoes, and a sprinkle of parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks for Perfect One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice
Here are a few tips to ensure your One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice turns out perfectly:
- Avoid overcooking the rice: Make sure to check the rice periodically while it simmers. If the rice is done but there’s still liquid in the skillet, you can remove the chicken and let the rice cook uncovered for a few minutes to absorb the remaining liquid.
- Add more BBQ sauce for extra flavor: If you love a stronger BBQ flavor, feel free to drizzle some additional BBQ sauce over the chicken before serving.
- Rest the chicken: After removing the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy. You can also shred the chicken for an even more flavorful and easy-to-eat dish.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock to keep the rice moist.
Pairing Ideas and Variations for One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice
This One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking for side dishes or variations, here are a few ideas:
- Side Salad: A simple side salad with fresh greens and a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the BBQ sauce.
- Grilled Veggies: Serve alongside grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a healthier, more vibrant meal.
- Spicy Kick: For a spicy version, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce before cooking.
- Make Ahead: This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for easy reheating the next day. It’s also perfect for meal prepping for busy workdays.
Health Benefits of One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice
This One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients. Chicken thighs provide a rich source of protein, while black beans offer fiber and essential vitamins. The inclusion of corn and tomatoes adds antioxidants, and the healthy fats from avocado provide a creamy, satisfying finish. This dish is well-balanced, making it a great option for families looking to enjoy a nutritious meal in a short amount of time.
This One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice is the ideal solution for those who want a satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or preparing for meal prep, this recipe checks all the boxes for flavor, nutrition, and convenience.
Conclusion
In just one pot, this One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice brings together the perfect balance of savory, smoky, and cheesy flavors. It’s a complete meal that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a simple family dinner. With minimal prep and cleanup, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for a satisfying meal, this one-pot wonder has got you covered.
FAQ for One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts as a substitute for chicken thighs. However, chicken breasts tend to dry out quicker, so be sure to monitor them carefully while cooking. To avoid overcooking, you may want to reduce the cooking time slightly or check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked through.
2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
While you can use brown rice, it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. If you choose to use brown rice, increase the chicken stock to about 4 cups and extend the cooking time by 10–15 minutes, checking periodically to ensure the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
3. How can I make this recipe spicy?
To add some heat to your One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice, consider stirring in some diced jalapeños or adding a few dashes of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce before cooking. For an extra spicy kick, sprinkle chili flakes on top just before serving.
More Relevant Recipes
PrintOne-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice
This One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice is an easy, flavorful weeknight meal that combines tender chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and hearty rice. With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s the perfect dish for busy evenings or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅔ cups frozen corn, thawed
- 1 can black beans (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
- ¾ cup short-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken stock
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded colby jack cheese
- Avocado, diced tomatoes, and parsley or cilantro, for topping
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs, season with salt and pepper, and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 2 minutes until onions are translucent.
- Stir in BBQ sauce, frozen corn, black beans, and rice. Mix everything to coat the rice with the sauce.
- Pour in chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up, and cover with a lid.
- Reduce the heat to low and cook for 30-35 minutes, checking periodically to ensure the rice absorbs the liquid. Add more stock if necessary.
- Once the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through, sprinkle shredded colby jack cheese over the chicken and cover for 3-4 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Garnish with diced avocado, tomatoes, and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer white meat, substitute chicken breasts for thighs. Monitor cooking time carefully to avoid drying them out.
- For extra BBQ flavor, feel free to add additional BBQ sauce before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated easily.
- If using brown rice, increase the chicken stock to 4 cups and cook for an additional 10–15 minutes.
