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One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice

One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice
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One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice is a comforting, easy-to-make dish combining tender chicken thighs, smoky barbecue sauce, and fluffy long-grain white rice all cooked together in a single pot. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, this family-friendly recipe offers rich, tangy flavors with minimal cleanup and can be adapted to suit various dietary needs and preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks

Grains

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice

Sauces & Broth

  • 3/4 cup barbecue sauce (smoky, well-balanced)
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces

Oils & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Dice the onion and garlic, chop the bell pepper into bite-sized pieces, and cut chicken thighs into chunks for quick, even cooking. Measure the rice and liquids to keep the cooking process smooth.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper, cooking until softened and fragrant. Add chicken chunks, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, then brown lightly on all sides.
  3. Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in long-grain white rice, coating it with the aromatics and oil. Pour in chicken broth followed by barbecue sauce, mixing thoroughly so the rice absorbs the flavors while cooking.
  4. Simmer Until Done: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot tightly and let simmer undisturbed for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to keep steam trapped.
  5. Fluff and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate grains and mix the chicken evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more tender results compared to breasts.
  • Allowing the dish to rest after cooking helps the rice finish steaming and prevents mushiness.
  • Choose your favorite barbecue sauce to tailor the flavor intensity.
  • Keep the lid sealed during simmering for perfectly cooked rice.
  • The recipe scales easily for larger portions or meal prep.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken, one-pot meal, chicken and rice, barbecue sauce, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, gluten free

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/one-pot-bbq-chicken-and-rice/