Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet is a deliciously simple one-pan meal packed with tender chicken, smoky chipotle flavors, and fluffy rice all cooked together. The chicken is coated in a rich BBQ sauce with a hint of chipotle spice that gives it a nice smoky kick, making every bite full of bold and satisfying flavors.
I love making this dish on busy weeknights because everything cooks in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to relax. The smoky chipotle BBQ sauce is my favorite part—it adds just the right amount of heat without being too overwhelming, so everyone at the table can enjoy it. A little tip I like to add is tossing in some fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime at the end to brighten up all those comforting flavors.
Serve this skillet meal with a simple green salad or some steamed veggies for a complete dinner that feels homemade but comes together quickly. I always find that the mix of smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors keeps everyone asking for seconds. It’s a great way to bring some excitement to a regular chicken and rice dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs here because they stay juicy and tender. If you prefer, chicken breasts can work too, but watch the cooking time to avoid dryness.
Long-Grain White Rice: This type of rice cooks up fluffy and separate, making it perfect for this skillet. You could swap in jasmine rice for a subtle floral note or brown rice for a nuttier flavor but add more broth and extra cooking time.
Smoky Chipotle BBQ Sauce: This sauce brings the smoky heat and tang. If you can’t find chipotle BBQ sauce, mix regular BBQ sauce with a bit of chipotle chili powder or adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers. Adjust spice to taste.
Spices: Smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder create that deep, smoky warmth. Feel free to tweak the chili powder level or swap smoked paprika for regular paprika if needed, but the smoky flavor will be milder.
How Can You Get the Rice Perfectly Cooked Without Burning?
Cooking rice in the same skillet as the chicken adds so much flavor, but it can be tricky not to burn it. Here’s how I do it:
- Toast the rice gently with the onion and garlic for 2 minutes. This step adds nutty flavor and helps the rice absorb liquids evenly.
- After adding broth, bring it to a gentle simmer so the rice cooks slowly and doesn’t stick to the bottom.
- Cover the skillet tightly with a lid to keep steam inside—it helps the rice cook through evenly.
- Cook on low heat so the rice softens without burning. If your skillet isn’t non-stick, you might add a tiny splash more broth to prevent drying out.
- Let the skillet rest covered off the heat for 5 minutes; this lets the rice finish steaming, making it fluffy.
Following these steps helped me get perfect tender rice with no burnt bits every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large cast-iron skillet – it heats evenly and browns chicken beautifully, plus you can cook rice right in it.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for stirring the rice and scraping up those flavorful bits without scratching your pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate rice, broth, and spice amounts to get the flavor just right.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for chopping chicken, onion, and garlic safely and easily.
- Lid for skillet or foil – helps steam the rice perfectly while cooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken thighs for diced pork or beef for a different protein with similar cooking time.
- Add black beans or corn for extra texture and a boost of fiber and color.
- Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese at the end for a creamy, melty twist.
- Toss in chopped bell peppers or zucchini with the onion and garlic to sneak in some veggies.
Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken and Rice:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup smoky chipotle BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish and Serving:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook, including resting time. In under 40 minutes total, you’ll have a delicious, hearty skillet meal ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning to brown all sides. When browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Veggies and Toast the Rice:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the rinsed rice and cook, stirring often, for about 2 minutes to toast it lightly.
3. Simmer the Rice and Chicken:
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Return the browned chicken to the skillet, then drizzle the smoky chipotle BBQ sauce over everything. Stir gently to combine.
4. Cook Until Tender:
Cover the skillet with a lid and turn the heat to low. Let everything cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
5. Rest and Garnish:
Remove the skillet from heat and keep it covered. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt in the center before serving.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Thighs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken thighs in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps the chicken brown nicely.
Can I Substitute Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Absolutely! Keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook—about 40-45 minutes. You’ll also need to add more broth to ensure it cooks through without drying out, and increase the simmering time accordingly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of broth can help keep the rice moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier or Milder?
Definitely! Adjust the amount of chipotle BBQ sauce or chili powder to suit your spice preferences. For less heat, use a mild BBQ sauce and reduce the chili powder. For extra kick, add fresh chopped jalapeños or extra chipotle powder.