One-Pot Bold BBQ Chicken + Rice

By amanda

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to dive into a heartwarming meal that feels like a family gathering in every bite? Today, we’re making a rustic classic: One-Pot Bold BBQ Chicken + Rice. 🍗🍚✨

There’s something magical about the way a one-pot dish fills your kitchen with comforting aromas while keeping cleanup to a minimum. This recipe blends the smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce with tender chicken and fluffy rice, creating a dish that’s hearty, bold, and utterly satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or simply enjoying a cozy night at home.

The tradition of cooking chicken and rice in one pot runs deep across cultures, from Spanish arroz con pollo to Cajun jambalaya. Each has its own soulful twist. Today, we’re adding a touch of American BBQ flair—sweet, smoky, and tangy notes that cling to every grain of rice. Best of all, it’s straightforward and unfussy, ready in under an hour, and requires only one pot. Less time in the kitchen, more time enjoying good food and good company. 🥰

So grab your favorite pot, gather around the stove, and let’s whip up a dish that will make your taste buds sing with every bite. Are you ready? Let’s cook!

Ingredients:

For the chicken and seasoning:

  • 1 ½ lbs (about 4–5 pieces) bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the rice base:

  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked, rinsed)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (smoky or bold-flavored)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Optional for serving:

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • Extra BBQ sauce drizzle
  • Pickled jalapeños for heat 🌶️

Step-by-Step Directions:

  1. Prepare the chicken 🐔
    Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season them generously with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Brown the chicken 🔥
    Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces on all sides until golden brown (about 5–6 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
  3. Sauté the aromatics 🍳
    In the same pot, add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Build the base 🍅
    Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Add the rice and stir to coat with the seasonings.
  5. Add liquids + BBQ magic 🥘
    Pour in chicken broth and BBQ sauce. Stir well, making sure rice is evenly spread in the liquid.
  6. Nestle the chicken 🍗
    Place the browned chicken pieces back into the pot, skin side up. Cover with a lid and bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Cook until done ⏳
    Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 25–30 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked (internal temp should reach 165°F/74°C). Avoid lifting the lid too often.
  8. Finish & serve 🌿
    Once cooked, remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with extra BBQ sauce or pickled jalapeños if desired.

Nutritional Information:

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 35 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 50 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~480 | 🍽️ Servings: 4–5

#OnePotMeals #BBQChickenRice #FamilyDinner #ComfortFood #HomemadeGoodness

Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️

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