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Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet Easy Family Dinner Recipe

Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet

Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet is a quick, flavor-packed one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, smoky chipotle BBQ sauce, and perfectly seasoned rice. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner—hearty, simple, and bursting with bold flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southwestern
Calories: 410
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Chicken breast, diced
  • 1 cup Long-grain rice
  • 2 cups Chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 0.5 cup Chipotle BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • Chopped cilantro (optional garnish)
  • Sliced green onions (optional garnish)
  • Lime wedges (optional garnish)
  • Shredded cheese (optional garnish)
  • Black beans or corn (optional add-ins)

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Sear the Chicken
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Add to the skillet and sear for 5–7 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Toast the Rice
    In the same skillet, add the uncooked rice and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently until lightly golden and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Simmer
    Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  4. Step 4: Combine and Glaze
    Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the chipotle BBQ sauce and cook for another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through and well coated in sauce.
  5. Step 5: Garnish and Serve
    Remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, shredded cheese, or a squeeze of lime juice. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, stir in ½ cup of corn or black beans when adding the chicken back to the skillet. If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.