Quick Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand quick, flavorful solutions that satisfy hungry families, and this smoky chipotle BBQ chicken and rice skillet delivers on all fronts.

Packed with robust spices and hearty ingredients, the recipe brings together tender chicken and perfectly seasoned rice in one spectacular pan.

The smoky chipotle BBQ sauce infuses each bite with a bold, tantalizing kick that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Juicy chicken pieces nestle into a bed of fluffy rice, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

No complicated techniques or endless cleanup required – just simple, delicious cooking that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Each forkful promises a delightful balance of smoky, spicy, and savory notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when comfort and convenience are your top priorities.

The Ingredients That Bring It All Together

• Chicken: A flavorful and protein-packed main ingredient that provides the primary source of meat in this skillet dish.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A melty and rich cheese that adds creamy texture and sharp flavor to the recipe.

• Rice: A versatile staple grain that serves as the hearty foundation of the skillet meal.

• Olive Oil: A cooking oil that helps sauté the chicken and provides a smooth base for cooking.
• Salt, Pepper, Smoked Paprika: Classic seasonings that add depth and complexity to the chicken's flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth: A liquid that helps cook the rice and infuses additional savory notes into the dish.
• BBQ Sauce: A sweet and tangy condiment that provides a rich, smoky flavor to the entire skillet.
• Chipotle Peppers: Spicy and smoky peppers that contribute a bold, intense heat to the recipe.

• Corn, Black Beans: Optional vegetables that add texture, nutrition, and additional flavor to the skillet.
• Cilantro: A fresh herb used as a garnish to brighten the final dish with a pop of color and herbal taste.

Cooking Instructions for Smoky BBQ Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Grab a large skillet and drizzle olive oil. Sprinkle chicken with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Toast the Grains

In the same skillet, drop the rice and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 3: Simmer the Flavor Bomb

• Chicken broth
• BBQ sauce
• Chipotle peppers

Bring the mixture to a boil.

Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally until rice becomes tender and liquid disappears.

Step 4: Create a Hearty Mix

• Corn
• Black beans

Stir everything together and warm through.

Step 5: Melt the Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Cover the skillet and let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Scatter fresh chopped cilantro on top.

Serve hot and savor every delicious bite.

Tips for Perfect Smoky Flavors Every Time

• Add a splash of tequila or beer while toasting rice for an extra layer of smoky complexity.
• Adjust chipotle pepper quantity to match your heat tolerance, using less for mild or more for intense spiciness.
• Swap chicken with shredded beef, pulled pork, or plant-based protein crumbles for variety and dietary preferences.
• Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains in the final dish.
• Make extra portions and store in airtight containers for easy lunch or dinner reheating throughout the week.

Ways to Customize Your BBQ Chicken Skillet

• Vegetarian Fiesta Skillet: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein crumbles, using smoked tofu for similar smoky flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Cauliflower Rice Low-Carb Option: Swap regular rice with riced cauliflower for a lower-carbohydrate version. Keep all other seasonings and ingredients the same for a keto-friendly meal.
• Seafood Southwest Skillet: Substitute chicken with shrimp or white fish like cod. Adjust cooking time to prevent overcooking seafood, using same chipotle BBQ sauce and spice profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Ensure BBQ sauce is gluten-free certified. Use certified gluten-free rice and verify all ingredient labels to create a safe meal for those with gluten sensitivities.

What to Serve Alongside This Hearty Skillet

• Pair with Cool and Creamy Sidekick: Whip up a quick cilantro-lime sour cream dip that cuts through the smoky heat, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich BBQ chicken.
• Uncork a Zesty Wine Match: Select a crisp, slightly chilled Riesling or Gewürztraminer with slight sweetness to balance the chipotle's spiciness and complement the BBQ flavors.
• Fire Up a Bold Beer Companion: Choose a Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or a craft amber ale that stands up to the robust chipotle and smoky notes while cleansing the palate.

Storage Tips for Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remains good for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

FAQs

• What is the main flavor profile of this dish?

The recipe combines smoky chipotle and BBQ flavors with a hearty chicken and rice base, creating a bold and spicy southwestern-inspired meal that packs a delicious punch.

• Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can substitute long-grain white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice, but adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure proper tenderness.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The dish has a medium heat level from chipotle peppers, but you can control the spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of chipotle peppers used in the recipe.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this dish?

A large skillet with a lid is the primary tool needed, making this a simple one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare and clean up.

Why This Chipotle Chicken Skillet Hits the Spot

• Simplify Baking: Transform a basic cake mix into a decadent dessert with minimal ingredients and steps, perfect for novice bakers seeking a delightful treat.
• Customize Creativity: Easily swap toffee bits for different mix-ins like nuts, caramel, or dried fruit to match personal taste preferences and pantry supplies.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Deliver a rich, indulgent bar that combines chocolate, toffee, and cake mix flavors, guaranteed to impress family and friends at gatherings or potlucks.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare these bars in under an hour, making them an ideal solution for sudden dessert cravings or last-minute sweet treats.

Smoky Chipotle Bbq Chicken And Rice Skillet Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling smoky chipotle bbq chicken and rice skillet delivers bold southwestern comfort right to your dinner table. Hearty one-pan magic combines spicy chiles, tender chicken, and fluffy rice for a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) chicken breast, diced

Grains and Base:

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking and Topping Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup corn (optional)
• 1/2 cup black beans (optional)
• Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sear seasoned chicken in a large skillet over medium heat with olive oil until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
2. In the same skillet, lightly toast rice for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning and enhance nutty flavors.
3. Pour chicken broth, chipotle peppers, and BBQ sauce into the skillet, creating a flavorful cooking liquid. Bring mixture to a rapid boil.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover skillet, and simmer rice for 15-20 minutes until liquid is completely absorbed and rice reaches tender consistency.
5. Incorporate cooked chicken, corn, and black beans into the rice, gently mixing to distribute ingredients evenly and reheat thoroughly.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, then cover skillet for 2-3 minutes to allow cheese to melt completely.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately while hot, offering a smoky, zesty one-pan meal with vibrant textures and flavors.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains the smoky, spicy flavor profile.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and a nuttier texture, adjusting cooking liquid and time accordingly.
• Reduce chipotle peppers for a milder dish or add extra for more heat, depending on personal spice tolerance.
• Prep all ingredients beforehand to ensure smooth cooking process and prevent burning or overcooking components.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 475 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg