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Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet

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Smoky Chipotle BBQ chicken served in a skillet with rice and garnished with herbs.

why make this recipe

Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet is a perfect weeknight meal. It's easy to make, packed with flavor, and brings comfort to the table. Everyone loves the smoky taste of chipotle BBQ sauce, and when paired with chicken and rice, it creates a delicious dish your family will enjoy. Plus, it all comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.

how to make Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/2 cup chipotle BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sliced green onions
  • Lime wedges
  • Shredded cheese
  • Black beans or corn (optional add-ins)

Directions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Add to skillet and sear for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add rice and toast for 1–2 minutes.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15–18 minutes.
  5. Return chicken to skillet. Stir in chipotle BBQ sauce and cook for 2–3 more minutes until heated through.
  6. Garnish with cilantro, green onions, or lime if desired. Serve hot!

how to serve Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet

Serve Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet right from the pan for a casual meal. You can top each serving with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and a squeeze of lime. For an extra touch, consider adding shredded cheese or black beans to give it additional flavor and texture. It pairs well with a simple salad or some tortilla chips on the side.

how to store Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet

To store leftovers, let the skillet cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer the chicken and rice to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving again.

tips to make Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet

  • For more spice, add extra chipotle BBQ sauce or some chopped fresh jalapeños.
  • You can swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
  • If you want to save time, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.
  • Feel free to toss in some veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.

variation

You can customize this dish by using different types of BBQ sauces or adding other spices such as cayenne or cayenne pepper if you prefer it spicier.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and cook it ahead of time. Just reheat it when you're ready to serve.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you ensure that the BBQ sauce and chicken broth are gluten-free, this dish can fit into a gluten-free diet.

Can I use brown rice instead of long-grain rice?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice generally takes longer to cook, so follow the directions on the package for timing and water ratios.

Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet

A quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring smoky chipotle BBQ chicken, rice, and accessible toppings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/2 cup chipotle BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishes and Optional Add-Ins
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sliced green onions
  • Lime wedges
  • Shredded cheese
  • Black beans or corn (optional add-ins)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Add to skillet and sear for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Cooking
  1. In the same skillet, add rice and toast for 1-2 minutes.
  2. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15-18 minutes.
  3. Return chicken to skillet. Stir in chipotle BBQ sauce and cook for 2-3 more minutes until heated through.
Serving
  1. Garnish with cilantro, green onions, or lime if desired. Serve hot!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g

Notes

For more spice, add extra chipotle BBQ sauce or some chopped fresh jalapeños. You can swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. If you want to save time, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. Feel free to toss in some veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.

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