One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice
	
		One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice is a quick, flavorful, and comforting meal that combines tender chicken, smoky barbecue sauce, and fluffy rice in a single skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights, this fuss-free recipe requires minimal cleanup while delivering rich, family-friendly flavors that are easily customizable with your favorite veggies and spices.
	 
	
		
							- Author: Judy
 
							- Prep Time: 10 minutes
 
							- Cook Time: 30 minutes
 
							- Total Time: 40 minutes
 
							- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
 
							- Category: Main Course
 
							- Method: One-Pot Cooking
 
							- Cuisine: American
 
							- Diet: Gluten Free
 
					
	 
	
		
		
			Protein
- 4–6 chicken thighs or breasts, bone-in or boneless, skinless
 
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
 
Liquids
- 1 cup chicken broth
 
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
 
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
 
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
 
- 1 bell pepper, diced
 
Fats & Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
 
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
 
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
 
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
 
		 
	 
	
		
		
			
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken pieces evenly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to create a flavorful base. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then brown the chicken on both sides until golden but not fully cooked through.
 
- Sauté aromatics and peppers: Remove the chicken temporarily and add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers to the same pot. Sauté until softened and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken for extra flavor.
 
- Add rice and liquids: Stir the rice into the vegetables, coating each grain with the flavorful oils and aromatics. Pour in the chicken broth and BBQ sauce, then return the chicken pieces to the pot, nestling them on top.
 
- Simmer everything together: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot tightly. Let it simmer undisturbed for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. Avoid lifting the lid too often to maintain steam.
 
- Rest and serve: Once done, remove from heat and let the dish sit covered for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, then serve hot.
 
		 
	 
	
		Notes
		
			
- Brown the chicken well to develop caramelized, rich flavor.
 
- Use a tight-fitting lid to trap steam and ensure perfectly cooked rice.
 
- Do not stir after adding liquids to avoid breaking up the rice and causing mushiness.
 
- Choose a thick BBQ sauce for better coating and richer taste.
 
- Let the dish rest after cooking to absorb excess moisture and enhance flavor.
 
		 
	 
	
		Nutrition
		
							- Serving Size: 1 cup
 
							- Calories: 400
 
							- Sugar: 6g
 
							- Sodium: 700mg
 
							- Fat: 15g
 
							- Saturated Fat: 3g
 
							- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
 
							- Trans Fat: 0g
 
							- Carbohydrates: 35g
 
							- Fiber: 2g
 
							- Protein: 30g
 
							- Cholesterol: 90mg
 
					
	 
	
		Keywords: BBQ chicken, one-pot meal, chicken and rice, easy dinner, weeknight recipe, family-friendly, smoky barbecue