Sizzling Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this smoky chipotle BBQ chicken and rice skillet delivers bold flavor in every bite.

Packed with zesty spices and hearty ingredients, the dish combines tender chicken with perfectly seasoned rice.

Chipotle peppers infuse the meal with a rich, smoky depth that awakens taste buds.

The one-pan wonder simplifies cooking without sacrificing incredible taste.

Each forkful brings a burst of southwestern-inspired comfort that feels both familiar and exciting.

The robust blend of BBQ sauce and chipotle creates a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.

Dive into this skillet and transform an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure worth savoring.

Steps To Make Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken And Rice Skillet

• Chicken Seasoning

Grab your chicken and sprinkle it with a magical blend of smoky spices. Massage the seasonings into every nook and cranny, creating a flavor explosion waiting to happen.

• Chicken Browning

Heat up a skillet with a splash of olive oil. Toss in the seasoned chicken and let it dance around until golden and crispy on the outside. Pull the chicken out and set it aside for now.

• Veggie Party

In the same sizzling skillet, throw in some colorful onions and bell peppers. Let them soften and become super friendly with each other. Add a whisper of garlic and a spicy chipotle pepper for extra excitement.

• Rice Magic

Pour in chicken broth, rice, and a generous glug of BBQ sauce. Sprinkle some cumin and chili powder to wake up all the flavors. Let everything bubble and mingle happily.

• Final Symphony

Nestle the browned chicken back into the rice mixture. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer and get to know each other. The rice will become tender, and the chicken will cook to juicy perfection.

• Serve and Celebrate

Fluff up the rice, arrange the chicken, and if you’re feeling fancy, scatter some fresh cilantro on top. Squeeze a lime wedge for a bright, zesty finish. Dinner is served and ready to impress!

Flavor Boosters For Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken And Rice Skillet

• Flavor Boost Tricks: Add a splash of tequila or beer to the cooking liquid for an extra depth of smoky flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Quick Protein Swap: Easily substitute chicken with turkey, pork, or even firm tofu for a flexible weeknight meal that keeps everyone happy and satisfied.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire skillet up to two days in advance and reheat gently, allowing the spices to meld and intensify for an even more delicious result.
• Diet-Friendly Adaptations: For gluten-free versions, use a certified gluten-free BBQ sauce and verify all ingredient labels. Low-carb lovers can replace rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter alternative that doesn't compromise on taste and texture.

Serving Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken And Rice Skillet The Right Way

• Spicy Sidekick Serving: Add a cool, creamy avocado salsa on the side to balance the smoky heat of the chicken, creating a refreshing contrast that brightens the entire dish.
• Fiesta Fresh Plate: Top the skillet with crumbled queso fresco and a sprinkle of extra cilantro for a zesty Mexican-inspired presentation that adds color and depth to the meal.
• Rice Bowl Remix: Serve the chicken and rice in individual bowls, allowing each person to customize with extra BBQ sauce, hot sauce, or a dollop of sour cream for personalized flavor.
• Family-Style Feast: Place the entire skillet in the center of the table, letting everyone scoop out their portion directly, creating a casual and interactive dining experience that brings people together.

How To Store Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken And Rice Skillet

Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

• Convenient Reheating Trick: Warm the chicken and rice skillet in a microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Separate chicken and rice before freezing in sealed containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare double batches and portion into individual containers for quick lunches or dinners during busy weekdays, keeping meals delicious and convenient.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 3

What You’ll Need For Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken And Rice Skillet

• Chicken: Lean protein that absorbs smoky flavors, choose boneless skinless pieces for quick and even cooking, opt for fresh and high-quality cuts for best results.

• Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Create a robust flavor foundation, ensure spices are fresh and fragrant for maximum taste impact, blend evenly for balanced seasoning.
• Cumin, Chili Powder: Add depth and warmth to the dish, look for high-quality ground spices with rich aroma, enhance overall Mexican-inspired flavor profile.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Provide sweet and savory base, select crisp and brightly colored vegetables for maximum freshness, dice uniformly for consistent cooking.
• Garlic: Adds intense aromatic punch, choose firm cloves without sprouts, mince finely for even distribution.
• Chipotle Pepper: Introduces smoky heat, use canned peppers in adobo sauce for authentic flavor, adjust quantity based on spice preference.

• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth, use low-sodium version for better control of salt content, ensures rice cooks perfectly.
• BBQ Sauce: Brings tangy sweetness, select rich and thick sauce for better coating, complements smoky spice blend.

• Cilantro, Lime: Provide fresh brightness, choose vibrant green cilantro and juicy limes, add just before serving for maximum flavor impact.

• Rice: Serves as hearty foundation, use long-grain white rice.

Gear To Cook Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken And Rice Skillet

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking all ingredients together and creating one-pot magic.
• Cutting board: Perfect for preparing vegetables and chopping herbs.
• Sharp knife: Needed for slicing onions, bell peppers, and mincing garlic.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurately adding broth, rice, and spices.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients during cooking.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for seasoning chicken before cooking.
• Fork: Helps fluff rice and serve the final dish.

Sizzling Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Savory smoky chipotle bbq chicken and rice skillet blends spicy Mexican-inspired flavors with comforting one-pan convenience. Rich layers of seasoned chicken, zesty sauce, and fluffy rice create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (185 g) long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• ½ cup (120 ml) BBQ sauce
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (minced, or to taste)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp chili powder (optional for extra spice)
• chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• lime wedges (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Spice Preparation: Generously coat chicken with a robust blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring an even distribution of aromatic spices.
2. Searing Technique: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, sear chicken pieces until golden-brown, creating a flavorful crust while maintaining juicy interior. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Vegetable Foundation: Drizzle additional olive oil in the same skillet, sauté diced onions and bell peppers until translucent. Quickly incorporate minced garlic and smoky chipotle pepper, stirring to prevent burning and release intense aromatics.
4. Flavor Infusion: Add chicken broth, uncooked rice, BBQ sauce, cumin, and chili powder to the skillet. Carefully nestled seared chicken pieces into the rice mixture, allowing them to simmer and develop deep, complex flavors.
5. Slow Cooking Process: Reduce heat to low, cover skillet, and let ingredients meld together. Cook until rice becomes tender and chicken reaches perfect internal temperature, approximately 20-25 minutes.
6. Finishing Touches: Fluff rice with a fork to release its fluffy texture and capture concentrated flavors. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve alongside zesty lime wedges, creating a vibrant and satisfying one-pan culinary experience.

Notes

• Spice Coating Technique: Ensure uniform spice distribution by patting chicken dry before seasoning, allowing spices to adhere perfectly and create a more intense flavor profile.
• Searing Secrets: Use a hot skillet and avoid overcrowding to achieve a golden-brown crust, which locks in moisture and develops deep caramelized flavors in the chicken.
• Rice Moisture Management: Monitor liquid levels during cooking, adding extra broth if rice appears too dry, ensuring perfectly tender and fluffy rice without burning.
• Chipotle Heat Control: Adjust chipotle pepper quantity based on personal spice tolerance, starting with less and gradually increasing to create a balanced, not overwhelming, heat level.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg