If you’re anything like me, you love a one-pot wonder that’s packed with flavor, easy on cleanup, and perfect for busy weeknights. That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share this One-Pot Chicken BBQ Rice Recipe with you. It’s hearty, smoky, a little bit spicy, and comes together in under 40 minutes. Trust me, once you try this, your family will be begging for seconds—and you’ll actually enjoy making dinner again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple One-Pot Prep: No need to juggle multiple pots and pans, saving you time and hassle in the kitchen.
- Bold BBQ Flavor: The combination of BBQ sauce, chili powder, and green chiles adds a smoky kick that’s irresistible.
- Family-Friendly Comfort: It’s a dish even picky eaters enjoy, and it fills everyone up with wholesome ingredients.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily switch up toppings or add veggies to fit your tastes and pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this One-Pot Chicken BBQ Rice Recipe works together to build layers of flavor while keeping things straightforward. When shopping, grabbing good quality chicken breasts and a tangy BBQ sauce will make a big difference.
- Chicken breasts: Choose fresh or thawed chicken breasts; cutting them into bite-sized pieces helps them cook evenly and quickly.
- Small onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth without overpowering—chop it finely for quicker cooking.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken nicely and prevents sticking while bringing a subtle fruity flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Minced garlic brings a fragrant punch that pairs beautifully with BBQ flavors.
- Instant brown rice: This is a game changer — it cooks faster than regular brown rice while keeping its nutritious bite.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory richness; you can use low sodium to control saltiness.
- Canned corn: Drained corn adds a sweet crunch and color contrast that’s delightful.
- Tomato sauce: Provides body and a subtle tang to bind the BBQ flavors with the rice.
- Chopped green chiles: Bring mild heat and a hint of smokiness for that Southwest vibe.
- BBQ sauce: The star of the show! Pick your favorite brand or homemade version for the best taste.
- Chili powder: Enhances the smoky spice profile—feel free to adjust to your preferred heat level.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to balance all the flavors.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly on top, adding creaminess and a sharp finish.
- Optional toppings: Ranch dressing, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and chopped tomatoes make great fresh add-ins to brighten each bite.
Variations
I love how flexible this One-Pot Chicken BBQ Rice Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to fit your mood, dietary needs, or what you have around. Experimenting with these changes keeps it fresh and exciting every time I make it!
- Swap the chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken: When I’m short on time, this shortcut works wonders and still delivers that BBQ goodness.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add extra veggies like bell peppers and black beans for a hearty meatless version.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce if you like it with a little extra heat—I do on chilly nights!
- Cheese options: Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or Monterey Jack for creaminess if cheddar’s not your fave.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken BBQ Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Onion
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then toss in the chicken pieces and chopped onion. I like to spread them out so they brown nicely — you’ll get about 5 to 7 minutes here. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t cooked through yet; it will finish cooking with the rice. When the chicken is mostly opaque, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant. This step builds your flavor base, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Combine the Rest of the Ingredients
Once your chicken and garlic are ready, stir in the instant brown rice, chicken broth, drained corn, tomato sauce, green chiles, BBQ sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Everything goes right into the skillet—see why I love one-pot meals? Mix it all together so every grain of rice is coated in that tangy BBQ goodness.
Step 3: Simmer Until Rice is Tender
Cover your skillet and reduce the heat to low to let everything simmer gently for about 15 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally so the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom and cooks evenly. This is a great time to prep your optional toppings or set the table—making dinner while you multitask feels like a win to me!
Step 4: Add Cheese and Rest
After the rice is tender, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Pop the lid back on and let it sit a few minutes so the cheese melts perfectly creamy and gooey. This finishing touch really brings the dish home and makes every bite irresistible.
Step 5: Serve with Your Favorite Toppings
Finally, add your favorite optional toppings like a drizzle of ranch dressing, slices of creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, or diced tomatoes. These fresh elements balance the richness and add texture, making each mouthful exciting.
Pro Tips for Making One-Pot Chicken BBQ Rice Recipe
- Use Instant Brown Rice: I discovered this trick when I was short on time—it cooks faster but still has that nutty brown rice flavor.
- Don’t Skip Stirring: Stirring occasionally while it simmers helps the rice cook evenly and prevents burning on the bottom.
- Adjust BBQ Sauce to Taste: I usually add just enough for flavor without overpowering, but feel free to add more for a bolder BBQ punch.
- Let Cheese Melt Covered Off Heat: This little pause ensures perfectly melted cheese without overcooking the rice or drying out the dish.
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken BBQ Rice Recipe
Garnishes
At home, I swear by topping this dish with fresh cilantro for a bright herbal note and creamy slices of avocado to cool down the smoky heat. A drizzle of ranch dressing adds a creamy tang that complements the BBQ flavors beautifully. Sometimes, diced fresh tomatoes add a nice juicy pop that keeps it fresh and colorful.
Side Dishes
I like to keep sides light and simple—crispy green salads with a lemon vinaigrette work wonderfully, or roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers add a fun crunch. If you’re in the mood to indulge, buttery cornbread or garlic bread always feel like a perfect match to this comfort meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinners, I serve it straight from the skillet—messy, cozy, and inviting. When hosting friends, I like to plate it in colorful bowls, topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of scallions. Another fun idea I tried was serving it inside hollowed bell peppers for a festive twist that always impresses.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover One-Pot Chicken BBQ Rice in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3-4 days and stays flavorful without drying out, thanks to the saucy base.
Freezing
If I want to save some for later, I let it cool completely before freezing in portions. When thawed, the texture is still great, and the flavors hold up nicely. Just reheat gently to avoid drying out the rice.
Reheating
My favorite way to reheat leftover BBQ chicken rice is in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to refresh the moisture. A quick microwave reheat works too, just cover loosely to keep it from drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use regular brown rice instead of instant brown rice in this recipe?
You can, but regular brown rice takes longer to cook, usually 40 to 50 minutes. If you use it, you’ll need to increase the simmering time significantly and add more broth or water. Instant brown rice makes this meal quicker and easier.
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Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mildly spicy because of the chili powder and green chiles, but it’s very family-friendly. You can adjust the spice level by using less chili powder or swapping mild green chiles for hotter versions if you prefer more heat.
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Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. Add hearty veggies like beans, mushrooms, or bell peppers for protein and texture. Use vegan cheese or omit cheese to keep it vegan.
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How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?
Stirring occasionally while simmering is key. Also, using a non-stick skillet helps. If your pan isn’t non-stick, keep the heat low and add just enough liquid to cook the rice without drying out.
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Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
It’s best to thaw chicken breasts beforehand to ensure even cooking. If you must use frozen, defrost them fully using your microwave or refrigerator before proceeding to avoid uneven cooking or safety issues.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Chicken BBQ Rice Recipe has become one of my go-to meals whenever I want comfort food that’s fast and fuss-free. I love that it combines smoky BBQ flavor with satisfying rice and melty cheese, all in a single pan. I can barely believe how this simple dinner wins over my family every time. So go ahead, give it a try—you’ll enjoy the ease, the taste, and those happy smiles at your table. Happy cooking!
Print
One-Pot Chicken BBQ Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pot Chicken BBQ Rice is a flavorful, hearty, and satisfying meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Featuring tender chicken, smoky barbecue sauce, and a delightful mix of rice, corn, and spices, this recipe combines convenience with delicious taste in just one pot.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups instant brown rice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (4 oz) can chopped green chiles
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings
- Ranch dressing
- Avocado
- Cilantro
- Tomatoes
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken and Onion: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and chopped onion. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside. It does not need to be fully cooked at this stage as it will finish cooking with the rice.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and onion. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to release the garlic’s aroma and flavor.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the instant brown rice, chicken broth, drained corn, tomato sauce, chopped green chiles, BBQ sauce, chili powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer to Cook Rice: Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Melt the Cheese: Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then cover the skillet again. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve with Toppings: Serve the chicken BBQ rice hot, topped with your choice of optional toppings like ranch dressing, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or diced tomatoes for added freshness and flavor.
Notes
- This recipe is a quick and easy one-pot meal that is full of flavor, hearty, and satisfying, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Using instant brown rice reduces the overall cooking time while still providing a nutritious base.
- Feel free to customize the dish by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the spice level with more chili powder or hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a convenient meal the next day.
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
