Description
Sizzling smoky chipotle bbq chicken and rice skillet brings Mexican-inspired flavors to your dinner table with bold, fiery zest. Hearty ingredients blend perfectly, creating a one-pan meal that satisfies hungry families with minimal cleanup and maximum deliciousness.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (454 g) chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra spice)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (minced, or to taste)
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (185 g) long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- ½ cup (120 ml) BBQ sauce
Garnish (optional):
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by generously coating it with a robust blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring an even distribution of the aromatic spices.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, then carefully sear the chicken pieces until they develop a golden-brown exterior, creating a flavorful crust while maintaining a juicy interior.
- Transfer the partially cooked chicken to a separate plate, reserving the skillet for the next stage of culinary magic.
- Introduce another drizzle of olive oil to the same skillet, then gently sauté diced onions and vibrant bell peppers until they become translucent and softened, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Infuse the vegetables with minced garlic and a smoky chipotle pepper, stirring quickly to prevent burning and to awaken the intense, spicy aromatics.
- Pour in chicken broth, uncooked rice, tangy BBQ sauce, earthy cumin, and warming chili powder, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will permeate the entire dish.
- Carefully nestle the previously seared chicken pieces into the rice mixture, allowing them to gently simmer and continue cooking.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the ingredients meld together, transforming the rice into a tender, flavorful base and ensuring the chicken reaches perfect doneness.
- Once completed, delicately fluff the rice with a fork, releasing its fluffy texture and capturing the concentrated flavors.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with zesty lime wedges, presenting a vibrant and satisfying one-pan meal that promises to delight the senses.
Notes
- Chicken Seasoning Hack: Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking to intensify the smoky chipotle flavor and ensure deeper spice penetration.
- Rice Texture Tip: Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, guaranteeing fluffy and separate grains in the final dish.
- Spice Level Control: Adjust chipotle pepper quantity based on heat tolerance; start with less and gradually increase for personalized spiciness.
- Dietary Flexibility: Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version, maintaining the robust BBQ and chipotle profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg