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BBQ Chicken and Rice

BBQ Chicken and Rice

A quick and flavorful BBQ Chicken and Rice recipe featuring tender chicken infused with smoky BBQ sauce served over fluffy long grain rice. Perfect for busy weeknights, this balanced, family-friendly dish uses minimal ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes for a satisfying, savory meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Grains & Liquid

  • 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups chicken broth or water

Other

  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden on the outside and no longer pink inside. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Cook the Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir to coat it with the onion and garlic mixture. Pour in chicken broth or water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook gently for about 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  4. Combine with BBQ Sauce and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the rice. Pour BBQ sauce over everything and stir well to combine. Let warm together for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Plate the BBQ Chicken and Rice with your choice of garnishes and side dishes.

Notes

  • Use a quality BBQ sauce with balanced sweetness and smokiness for the best flavor.
  • Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and ensure fluffiness.
  • Cook chicken gently to keep it tender and juicy; avoid overcooking.
  • Sautéing onions and garlic first helps build depth of flavor.
  • Let the dish rest covered for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld perfectly.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken, chicken and rice, quick dinner, weeknight meal, smoky chicken, easy BBQ recipe, family-friendly dinner, gluten-free chicken recipe