Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering BBQ Chicken and Rice recipe! Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken thighs smothered in rich barbecue sauce, nestled on a bed of perfectly cooked, flavor-packed rice that will have your family begging for seconds. This American-style dish is not just a meal – it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with irresistible taste in just 40 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, 1 cup of rice, 2 cups of chicken broth, 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce, 1 chopped onion, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium bowl, season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken during cooking.
- In a large skillet or a Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs and sear them for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. This step adds a nice color and flavor to the chicken.
- Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the rice and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb some of the flavors from the onions and the skillet.
- Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir well to combine everything.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet. Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Check occasionally to ensure the rice is not sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- Once the cooking time is up, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, fluff the rice with a fork and check for seasoning. Adjust with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the BBQ chicken thighs over a bed of rice, drizzling any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top for added flavor. Enjoy your delicious barbecue chicken and rice!
Tips
- Choose chicken thighs with the skin on for extra flavor and juiciness. They're more forgiving during cooking and stay incredibly tender.
- For an extra flavor boost, use a homemade or high-quality store-bought BBQ sauce. The sauce can make or break this dish!
- Don't skip the searing step – it creates a delicious golden crust and locks in the chicken's natural juices.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution and prevent the rice from burning.
- Let the dish rest for those extra 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb any remaining moisture.
- For a healthier version, you can use brown rice instead of white rice, just adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 463kcal
Carbohydrates: 53g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
