Description
A flavorful and smoky chipotle BBQ chicken and rice skillet that combines tender chicken, smoky spices, and tangy BBQ sauce into one easy, hearty meal cooked in a single pan. Perfect for a quick dinner with bold, savory flavors and optional cheesy topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
Aromatics and Sauce
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced (or more to taste)
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Using the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and chipotle pepper, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the Rice: Stir in the rinsed rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to toast lightly in the skillet.
- Simmer the Rice: Add the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and ground cumin to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid absorbed.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine everything evenly. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your smoky chipotle BBQ chicken and rice skillet.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chipotle pepper and adobo sauce to increase or decrease the smokiness and heat to your preference.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cheddar cheese topping.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breast for juicier meat.
- Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and avoid clumping.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
