BBQ Chicken, Veggies, and Rice Skillet: A Complete One-Pan Meal

Craving a delicious, satisfying, and easy-to-clean-up dinner? Look no further than this BBQ Chicken, Veggies, and Rice Skillet! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a complete meal in one pan. Tender chicken is coated in tangy barbecue sauce and cooked alongside colorful vegetables and fluffy rice, making it a crowd-pleasing dish that even picky eaters will love.

This recipe is adaptable to your preferences. Don’t like broccoli? Swap it out for bell peppers or zucchini. Prefer brown rice? Go for it! The possibilities are endless. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover veggies in your fridge.

## Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Skillet

* **One-Pan Wonder:** Minimal cleanup is a huge win on busy nights. Everything cooks together in one skillet, making dinner prep and cleanup a breeze.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your favorite vegetables and rice. Make it your own!
* **Family-Friendly:** The sweet and tangy barbecue sauce is a hit with both kids and adults.
* **Healthy and Balanced:** A combination of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables provides a well-rounded and nutritious meal.
* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under an hour, this recipe is perfect for those nights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best choice for this recipe as they cook quickly and evenly. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer, but they may require a longer cooking time. About 1.5-2 pounds is usually enough for a family of four.
* **Rice:** Long-grain white rice is a classic choice and cooks well in the skillet. Brown rice can also be used, but will require more liquid and a longer cooking time. Consider using pre-cooked rice pouches for an even quicker meal.
* **Vegetables:** This is where you can get creative! Some great options include broccoli florets, bell peppers (any color), zucchini, corn kernels (fresh or frozen), onions, and carrots. About 2-3 cups of chopped vegetables will work well.
* **Barbecue Sauce:** Choose your favorite brand and flavor! Sweet, smoky, or tangy barbecue sauce all work well. About 1 cup is needed to coat the chicken and add flavor to the rice and vegetables.
* **Chicken Broth:** This is the liquid that will cook the rice and help keep the chicken moist. You can also use vegetable broth or water.
* **Olive Oil:** Used for sautéing the vegetables and preventing the chicken from sticking to the skillet. You can substitute with another cooking oil of your choice.
* **Spices:** Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper are used to season the chicken and vegetables. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a little heat.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Chopped fresh parsley, green onions, or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

**Detailed Ingredient List:**

* 1.5-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
* 2 cups broccoli florets
* 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
* 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
* 3 cups chicken broth
* 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* 1 tsp onion powder
* 1/2 tsp paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley, green onions, or cilantro

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large skillet (12-inch) with a lid
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious BBQ Chicken, Veggies, and Rice Skillet:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

* Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Place the chicken in a bowl and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Heat the olive oil in the large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until softened. Add the broccoli florets and corn kernels and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

**Step 3: Add the Chicken and Rice**

* Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet. Add the seasoned chicken to the center of the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned on all sides. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this point.
* Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the chicken and vegetables.

**Step 4: Add Broth and Barbecue Sauce**

* Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, making sure the rice is submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
* Once the rice is cooked, stir in the barbecue sauce until everything is evenly coated.

**Step 5: Simmer and Serve**

* Cover the skillet again and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is optional but highly recommended.
* Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
* Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, green onions, or cilantro, if desired.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t overcook the chicken:** Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s browned on all sides and then let it finish cooking in the skillet with the rice and broth.
* **Rinse the rice:** Rinsing the rice before cooking helps to remove excess starch, which can prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
* **Use the right amount of liquid:** Using too much liquid can result in mushy rice, while using too little liquid can result in dry rice. The key is to use just enough liquid to cover the rice.
* **Don’t lift the lid too often:** Lifting the lid too often can release steam and affect the cooking time of the rice.
* **Adjust the seasonings to your liking:** Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your personal preferences. If you like a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
* **Use a non-stick skillet:** Using a non-stick skillet will help prevent the chicken and rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
* **Let the skillet rest before serving:** Letting the skillet rest for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Chicken:** Instead of chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs, ground chicken, or even shredded rotisserie chicken.
* **Rice:** You can use brown rice, quinoa, or couscous instead of white rice. Keep in mind that brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid.
* **Vegetables:** Feel free to substitute the vegetables with your favorites. Some other great options include mushrooms, spinach, kale, or sweet potatoes.
* **Barbecue Sauce:** Experiment with different flavors of barbecue sauce. Try a honey barbecue sauce, a spicy barbecue sauce, or a tangy barbecue sauce.
* **Spices:** Add different spices to enhance the flavor of the dish. Try adding smoked paprika, chili powder, or cumin.
* **Cheese:** Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the skillet before serving for a cheesy and delicious twist. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese all work well.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
* **Add beans:** Add a can of black beans or kidney beans for extra protein and fiber.
* **Spice it up:** Add a diced jalapeno pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
* **Make it creamy:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving for a creamy texture.

## Serving Suggestions

This BBQ Chicken, Veggies, and Rice Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich flavors of the skillet.
* **Cornbread:** Warm cornbread is a classic pairing with barbecue chicken.
* **Coleslaw:** Creamy coleslaw adds a cool and crunchy contrast to the dish.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
* **Baked Beans:** Baked beans are a hearty and satisfying side dish.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This BBQ Chicken, Veggies, and Rice Skillet can be made ahead of time for a convenient weeknight meal. Simply follow the recipe instructions up to the point where you add the barbecue sauce. Let the skillet cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, add the barbecue sauce, cover the skillet, and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.

## Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g

## Conclusion

This BBQ Chicken, Veggies, and Rice Skillet is a winner for its ease, flavor, and versatility. It’s a fantastic way to get a healthy and satisfying meal on the table quickly. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables, sauces, and spices to create your own signature version. Enjoy!