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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Spice Preparation: Generously coat chicken with a robust blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring an even distribution of aromatic spices.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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