BBQ Chicken and Rice
This BBQ Chicken and Rice recipe is a quick, flavorful meal featuring tender, smoky chicken paired with fluffy, seasoned long-grain rice. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan dish combines simplicity with bold BBQ flavor and is easily customizable to fit various dietary preferences.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids
Oils & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh parsley
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken on both sides until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then sauté chopped onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Cook the rice: Add the long-grain rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the onion and garlic mixture. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Combine and simmer: Return the browned chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice. Cover and reduce heat to low. Let simmer gently for 18-20 minutes, until the rice is cooked and liquid absorbed.
- Add BBQ sauce and finish cooking: Remove the lid and brush BBQ sauce over the chicken. Cover again and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce caramelize slightly.
- Serve and garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top, then serve hot for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use homemade BBQ sauce: For a fresher taste, make your own sauce with tomatoes, vinegar, and spices.
- Don’t skip browning chicken: Searing creates a flavorful crust that enhances the dish’s taste.
- Let the rice rest: After cooking, keep the skillet covered off heat for a few minutes to let the rice fluff up perfectly.
- Check seasoning before serving: Taste and adjust salt and pepper to ensure balanced flavor.
- Use a good non-stick pan: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: BBQ chicken, chicken and rice, one pan meal, quick dinner, weeknight recipe, gluten free, easy dinner