Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet

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Savory, smoky, and satisfyingly simple, the Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet is your new go-to for weeknight dinners that need to deliver big on flavor without the extra fuss. This dish features tender chunks of chicken smothered in a bold chipotle barbecue sauce, nestled over a bed of perfectly cooked rice that soaks up every last drop of that delicious glaze.

Ideal for families or meal preppers, this one-skillet wonder brings together the smokiness of chipotle peppers, the richness of barbecue sauce, and the heartiness of chicken and rice in perfect harmony. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but comes together quickly and easily—making it a staple you’ll turn to again and again.

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Ingredients for this Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or your choice)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chipotle barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish

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Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by dicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces and seasoning them with a light sprinkle of salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. If your rice isn’t already cooked, prepare it according to package instructions—this dish works great with leftover rice too.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces and sear them for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

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Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped red onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and slightly translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

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Step 4: Add the Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour in the chipotle barbecue sauce. Stir everything together until the chicken is fully coated. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

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Step 5: Add the Rice

Gently add the cooked rice to the skillet, pressing it evenly into the pan around the saucy chicken mixture. You can stir it all together or leave the chicken on top for visual contrast and layered texture.

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Step 6: Final Touch

Let the entire skillet cook uncovered for another 2–3 minutes to slightly crisp the rice at the bottom, giving it a delicious golden crust. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions if desired.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet fresh and flavorful, follow these storage tips:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep the rice from drying out.
• Freezer: You can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
• Meal prep tip: Divide the skillet into individual meal containers with extra veggies or greens for a balanced grab-and-go option during the week.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving; recipe makes 4 servings)

• Calories: 430
• Protein: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 680mg

Nutrition may vary based on the type of barbecue sauce and rice used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Just dice it and add it to the skillet with the barbecue sauce. You’ll save a lot of time.

What kind of rice works best?

Brown rice adds a hearty texture, but jasmine or white rice works beautifully too. Even cauliflower rice can be used for a lower-carb option.

Can I make it spicier?

Yes! Add extra chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat.

What barbecue sauce should I use?

Any smoky or chipotle-flavored barbecue sauce works well. You can use your favorite brand or make it from scratch.

Can this be made vegetarian?

Yes—swap the chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh, and use vegetarian BBQ sauce.

How do I keep the rice from getting mushy?

Use chilled rice (day-old rice works best). This keeps it firm and prevents overcooking in the skillet.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, corn, or zucchini make great additions. Just sauté them with the onions.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be, as long as you use gluten-free barbecue sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

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