Discover the ultimate weeknight dinner with this easy One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice recipe. Combining tender chicken, smoky barbecue flavors, and perfectly cooked rice all in one pot, this dish is a game-changer when it comes to simplicity and deliciousness. Whether you’re rushed for time or just craving comfort food with minimal mess, this recipe delivers on taste, convenience, and satisfaction every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pot means fewer dishes and less stress after dinner.
Flavorful and Balanced: The rich BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with tender chicken and fluffy rice, making every bite a delight.
Time-Saving: Ready in under 45 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights without compromising on taste.
Customizable: Easily tweak the recipe to suit your dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
Family-Friendly: Crowd-pleasing flavors make it perfect for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that create a perfect harmony of textures and flavors in this dish. Each item plays a role—from the smoky BBQ sauce to the fluffy rice that soaks up all those amazing juices.

Boneless Chicken Thighs: Juicy and tender, thighs stay moist during cooking and absorb flavors beautifully.
Long-Grain White Rice: Cooks evenly and becomes fluffy, making the dish comforting and filling.
Barbecue Sauce: Adds that signature sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor that defines the dish.
Chicken Broth: Enhances depth of flavor while keeping the rice moist and tender.
Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and aroma that elevates the overall taste.
Garlic: Adds a fragrant punch that complements the BBQ sauce perfectly.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the aromatics and searing the chicken to lock in flavor.
Optional Bell Peppers: Adds color and a slight crunch for extra texture.
Salt and Pepper: Essential basics to season and balance flavors.

Variations for One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice

Feel free to make this recipe your own! It’s incredibly adaptable, allowing you to swap ingredients based on what you have or to fit specific tastes and dietary needs.

Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat.
Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with hearty mushrooms or plant-based chicken substitutes.
Different Grain: Try brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist with more fiber.
Smokier Flavor: Use smoked paprika or chipotle powder to boost smokiness beyond BBQ sauce.
Fresh Herbs: Stir in chopped cilantro or parsley just before serving for fresh brightness.

How to Make One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them skin-side down until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side briefly before removing the chicken to a plate.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits left from the chicken for extra flavor.

Step 3: Combine Rice and Liquids

Add the rice to the pot and stir for about a minute to toast it lightly. Then pour in the chicken broth and barbecue sauce, mixing everything well to ensure the rice is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Return Chicken and Simmer

Place the seared chicken thighs back on top of the rice mixture. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat to low, and let everything simmer gently for about 25-30 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming and the flavors to settle. Fluff the rice and garnish as desired before serving.

Pro Tips for Making One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice

Sear for Flavor: Don’t skip searing the chicken; it adds a rich, caramelized taste and texture.
Use Tight Lid: A tight-fitting lid traps steam perfectly, ensuring rice cooks evenly.
Don’t Stir Too Much: Avoid stirring after adding liquid to prevent mushy rice.
Check Liquid Levels: Adjust broth quantity if using different rice types or grains.
Rest Time Matters: Letting the dish rest after cooking boosts fluffiness and flavor melding.

How to Serve One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like chopped green onions, cilantro, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese can add vibrant color and complementary flavors that brighten up the dish.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables pair wonderfully with this rich One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice, balancing hearty and fresh notes on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dish in individual bowls topped with avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, or even some pickled jalapeños for flair and extra texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This meal freezes well—just transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist and tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but be careful not to overcook them as they tend to dry out faster than thighs.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely—simply use a gluten-free barbecue sauce and ensure your broth is gluten-free as well.

Can I use brown rice for this dish?

Brown rice works but will require a longer cooking time and possibly more liquid, so adjust accordingly.

How spicy is the original recipe?

The base recipe is mild and perfect for all palates, but you can easily add spices or hot sauce to increase the heat.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot or slow cooker?

Yes, both work well; Instant Pot shortens cooking time, while a slow cooker allows a gentle, hands-off cook—adjust liquid amounts as needed.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice recipe is a lifesaver for anyone craving a home-cooked meal with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. It’s straightforward to prepare, wonderfully delicious, and versatile enough to suit your tastes. Next time you want something cozy and satisfying without a mountain of dishes, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!

One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice

Print Recipe

This One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice recipe combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with smoky barbecue sauce and fluffy rice cooked together for an easy, flavorful, and comforting weeknight meal with minimal cleanup and maximum taste.

Author: Gloria
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

6 boneless chicken thighs, skin-on or skinless
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 cup barbecue sauce
2 cups chicken broth
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
Diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for spice (to taste)
Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish
Shredded cheese for garnish
Avocado slices, sour cream, or pickled jalapeños for serving

Instructions

Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place them skin-side down and sear until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side briefly. Remove chicken to a plate.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, scraping up browned bits from the chicken to add flavor.
Combine Rice and Liquids: Add the rice to the pot and stir for about a minute to lightly toast it. Pour in chicken broth and barbecue sauce, mixing thoroughly to distribute the rice evenly.
Return Chicken and Simmer: Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat to low, and let simmer gently for 25-30 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is thoroughly cooked.
Rest and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. This finishes steaming the rice and allows flavors to meld. Fluff the rice, garnish as desired, and serve.

Notes

Sear the chicken to develop rich, caramelized flavor and better texture.
Use a tight-fitting lid to trap steam for even rice cooking.
Avoid stirring after adding liquids to prevent mushy rice.
Adjust broth quantity if substituting grains or rice types.
Let the dish rest after cooking to improve fluffiness and flavor melding.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: one-pot, bbq chicken, rice, easy dinner, weeknight meal, gluten free, comfort food