If you’re looking for a dinner that brings together the smoky-sweet allure of barbecue, tender chicken, and cheesy, cozy rice—all in a single pot—this is the ultimate find! The One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe is pure comfort food, with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Each bite delivers that classic BBQ taste, melty cheese, and sweet pops of corn, making it a guaranteed family favorite and just the dish to keep in your weeknight rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish couldn’t be easier to pull off because every ingredient is both simple and essential. Each one offers something special, from deep flavor to irresistible texture, and the finished dish is as vibrant to look at as it is to eat!
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Juicy, bite-sized pieces of boneless chicken make the dish hearty and satisfying.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps develop that gorgeous golden sear on the chicken.
- Onion: Diced onion melts into the dish, adding sweetness and a savory backbone.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives everything a fragrant kick—don’t skip it!
- Long-Grain White Rice: The ideal rice for a fluffy, no-fuss base that soaks up all those BBQ juices.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Keeps everything moist and savory while allowing you to control the salt level.
- BBQ Sauce: The real star—choose your favorite for that signature smoky, tangy flavor.
- Corn Kernels: Sweet, juicy pops of color and freshness—use what you have on hand.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts to gooey perfection and ties the whole dish together.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a gentle warmth and extra smokiness that takes the flavor over the top.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing all the flavors.
- Fresh Parsley or Green Onions: A final sprinkle of color and freshness to finish the One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe.
How to Make One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season generously with salt, pepper, and a dusting of smoked paprika. Sear the chicken for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until each piece is lightly browned but not cooked through—this layer of flavor will infuse every bite of the final dish.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Toss in your diced onion and garlic with the chicken. Cook everything together for another 2–3 minutes, stirring often. The onion becomes wonderfully soft and sweet, while the garlic sets up that crave-worthy savory aroma that makes everyone wander into the kitchen to ask, “What’s cooking?”
Step 3: Stir in Rice, Broth, BBQ Sauce, and Corn
Now it’s time to add the rice straight into the pot, along with chicken broth, your favorite BBQ sauce, and those golden corn kernels. Stir everything well so the rice is evenly distributed and the chicken is coated in that beautiful, tangy sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Simmer
When you see the liquid bubbling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot snugly and let it all simmer for 18–20 minutes. The rice will absorb all those incredible flavors and become perfectly tender. Peek once or twice to make sure there’s enough liquid and give it a gentle stir if needed, but try not to lift the lid too often to keep that steam trapped inside.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish
Once the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed, remove the pot from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and cover the pot again for 2–3 minutes, letting the heat turn the cheese irresistibly melty. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce for extra flavor, and finally, scatter lots of fresh parsley or green onions over the top. Your One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe is ready to make dinner that much more exciting!
How to Serve One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A bright shower of chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions on top is just the beginning. Try adding an extra swirl of BBQ sauce for a pop of color and extra smokiness, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like things a bit spicy. These little touches make the One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe look restaurant-worthy and extra inviting.
Side Dishes
This main dish is plenty hearty on its own, but if you want to round out your table, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works beautifully alongside the smoky richness. For something extra comforting, a side of warm cornbread will soak up every drop of sauce and make it a true Southern-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it family-style straight from the pot for a cozy dinner, or scoop the vibrant rice and chicken into individual bowls for easy portioning. For a fun twist, try spooning some of the cheesy goodness into mini bell peppers before popping them under the broiler for an extra-memorable weeknight treat. However you serve it, the One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe is guaranteed to steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, just spoon them into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. The rice and chicken keep well for up to three days and make a fantastic quick lunch or dinner the next day—sometimes, those BBQ flavors are even deeper after some time chilling together!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish for later. Let everything cool completely first, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It’s best enjoyed within one to two months; remember to label with the date. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ll have the One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe ready anytime a craving strikes.
Reheating
To reheat, either pop a serving in the microwave or gently warm in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist and fluffy. Cover loosely so the cheese gets gooey again, and top with fresh herbs or a little extra BBQ sauce to brighten the flavors. It’s just as drool-worthy the second time around!
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more liquid. Add at least another cup of broth and simmer until the rice is perfectly tender. The nutty flavor is delicious with the BBQ sauce.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Pick your personal favorite! A smokier sauce will amp up that “just-grilled” flavor, while a sweeter sauce delivers more comfort food vibes. The beauty of the One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe is how customizable it is to your taste buds.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Definitely! If you have leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken, just add it after the rice has been simmering for about 10 minutes so it warms through without drying out. This shortcut makes the recipe come together even faster.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes, you can skip the cheese or use your favorite plant-based shredded cheese for the finishing touch. The dish is already rich and flavorful thanks to the BBQ sauce and spices, so it’ll still be crowd-pleasing.
Can I double the One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe?
Sure thing! Double all the ingredients and use your largest pot or Dutch oven. This is a great meal for sharing with friends or saving extra for later busy nights—you’ll be grateful for those leftovers.
Final Thoughts
If you love fuss-free meals that deliver on big flavor and big comfort, you have to give the One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe a try. It’s the kind of dish that wows a crowd, satisfies picky eaters, and just makes weeknight cooking so much easier and more joyful. Give it a spot on your table this week and watch it disappear!
Print
One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice recipe is a delicious and easy meal that combines tender chicken, flavorful BBQ sauce, and cheesy goodness all in one skillet. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, and cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned.
- Add the diced onion and garlic and cook for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and corn. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Cover for 2–3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt. Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce if desired and garnish with parsley or green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use smoked or grilled chicken for added flavor.
- This dish also works well with brown rice—just increase the broth and simmer time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
