There’s something so comforting about a meal that cooks all in one pot and fills your kitchen with mouthwatering BBQ aromas—that’s exactly what makes the One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe a total weeknight winner. It’s simple, hearty, and packed with flavor that sticks with you.

A black cast iron pan filled with a layered dish featuring melted yellow and white cheese on top, scattered with chopped red cherry tomatoes and fresh green herbs. Below the cheese layer, there is a mix of cooked rice or grains and tender browned chicken pieces with a shiny, slightly glazed look. A wooden spoon is lifting one chicken piece from the pan, and melted cheese is stretching from the pan to the spoon. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a small bunch of green herbs beside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe countless times because it’s effortless and always turns out just right. Perfect for those nights when you want comfort food that doesn’t require endless pots and dishes.

All-in-one convenience: You get protein, veggies, and grains cooked together—saving you time and cleanup.
Rich, smoky flavor: The BBQ sauce infuses the chicken and rice, making each bite deliciously tangy and savory.
Easy to customize: Whether you want it spicy, loaded with veggies, or extra cheesy, you can tweak the recipe to your liking.
Family-friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters tend to enjoy — especially when you top it with creamy avocado and fresh herbs.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe plays an important role in balancing texture and flavor. From tender chicken thighs to the creamy cheese finish, every piece harmonizes beautifully.

Flat lay of six raw boneless skinless chicken thighs, a medium diced onion, two cloves of whole garlic, a small white ceramic bowl of olive oil, a small white bowl filled with rich brown BBQ sauce, a handful of fresh thawed yellow corn kernels, a small white bowl of black beans, a small mound of short-grain white rice, a small white bowl of clear chicken stock, a small white bowl of shredded colby jack cheese, diced avocado pieces, diced ripe red tomatoes, and a few sprigs of fresh green parsley placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Helps to brown the chicken and adds a subtle fruitiness without overpowering the BBQ flavors.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs: They stay juicy during cooking and soak up the BBQ sauce like a dream.
Your favorite BBQ sauce: This is the star that brings the smoky-sweet magic. I use a slightly spicy sauce, but any kind you love works.
Medium onion: Adds a savory base and natural sweetness once softened.
Garlic cloves: Just a touch enhances depth without stealing the show.
Frozen corn: Brings little pops of sweetness and a bit of texture contrast.
Black beans: Boost protein and fiber while complementing the BBQ flavor.
Short-grain white rice: Holds its shape and cooks to a creamy consistency without getting mushy.
Chicken stock: Adds richness and ensures the rice cooks perfectly.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors together.
Colby jack cheese: Melts beautifully on top, adding creaminess and a mild tang.
Avocado, diced tomatoes, fresh parsley or cilantro: Fresh toppings that brighten each serving and add a lovely pop of color.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing things up depending on what’s in my fridge and mood. With this One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe, you can easily swap out ingredients or add extras to suit your taste—or dietary needs.

Variation: One time, I added diced bell peppers and swapped black beans for pinto beans—it added a fresh twist I really enjoyed.
Make it spicy: Stir in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a kick that wakes up the taste buds.
Healthier swap: Use brown rice and low-sugar BBQ sauce to lighten it up without losing flavor.
Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with hearty mushrooms or smoked tofu and keep the beans for protein.

Step-by-Step: How I Make One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe

A white round plate holds a layered dish starting with a base of mixed rice, black beans, corn, and small pieces of onion and red bell pepper, creating a colorful and textured mix. On top of this base, there are two browned pieces of chicken covered with melted cheddar cheese that looks slightly shiny and soft. Around the chicken, there are small red cherry tomato halves and bright green cilantro leaves scattered for garnish. A slice of fresh, smooth avocado is placed on the side of the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sear and Sauce the Chicken

Heat olive oil over medium-high in a large deep skillet or pot. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then lay them skin-side down. As they cook to a nice golden brown—about 3-4 minutes per side—brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce on each side. Don’t rush this step; browning creates that wonderful barbecue flavor and locks in juices. Once the chicken is halfway cooked, remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Add Veggies

In the same skillet, toss in diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and soft—about 3-5 minutes. Then stir in the thawed corn and rinsed black beans. They add both sweetness and a satisfying bite.

Step 3: Toast the Rice and Add Liquids

Pour the rice into the skillet and gently stir it around, letting it toast for a couple of minutes. This step is key—it deepens the flavor and helps keep the rice fluffy. Now, carefully add the chicken stock and the remaining BBQ sauce. Season with salt and pepper, then stir everything together to combine.

Step 4: Simmer with Chicken and Melt Cheese

Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low. Nestle the chicken thighs back into the rice mixture, cover with a lid, and let it cook gently for 30 minutes—enough time for the rice to absorb all those glorious BBQ flavors and the chicken to finish cooking through. Finally, sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top, cover to melt it, and then remove from the heat.

Top Tip

After making this dish many times, I realized a few small tweaks make all the difference for the perfect outcome—here are my go-to tips that you’ll appreciate.

Use short-grain rice: It cooks evenly and gets tender without turning mushy, taking the dish from good to perfect.
Don’t skip browning the chicken: That initial sear locks in juiciness and adds layers of flavor that liquid cooking alone can’t create.
Toast the rice gently: Give it a little time in the pan before adding liquid—you’ll notice richer aroma and better texture.
Cover while cooking: Traps steam and lets the rice absorb all those BBQ nuances without drying out.

How to Serve One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe

BBQ chicken and rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top this dish with creamy diced avocado for coolness, fresh diced tomatoes for a juicy pop, and a sprinkle of bright parsley or cilantro. These fresh touches balance the smoky richness and make it look beautiful, too.

Side Dishes

It’s pretty filling on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to add freshness. For a little crunch, tortilla chips or cornbread are fantastic companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this dish family-style right in the skillet, letting everyone scoop up cheesy chicken and rice themselves. It feels warm and laid-back but polished. You can also plate individual portions and drizzle a bit more BBQ sauce on top for extra dazzle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even tastier. Just be sure to cool it before refrigerating to keep the texture on point.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. When I freeze portions, I skip the cheese topping and the fresh garnishes. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before adding the cheese and fresh toppings to keep everything fresh and melty.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the rice and keep the chicken juicy. If microwaving, cover with a damp paper towel to trap moisture. Then, add the cheese and toppings fresh to revive that just-made vibe.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You can absolutely use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but thighs tend to stay juicier and are more forgiving during the cooking process. If you swap to breasts, keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out.

What type of BBQ sauce works best?

Most BBQ sauces will work fine here, but I recommend one that’s balanced—not too sweet or too spicy—so it complements the other ingredients. Feel free to try your favorite brand or homemade sauce.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! As long as your BBQ sauce and chicken stock are gluten-free, this entire recipe works well for gluten-free diets. Always double-check labels to be safe.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pot?

Using a heavy-bottomed skillet or pot helps distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking. Toasting the rice briefly before adding the liquid also reduces stickiness. Stir gently but sparingly once the stock is added, and keep the heat at medium-low while simmering.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Rice Recipe holds a special place in my go-to dinner rotation. It’s approachable, comforting, and truly satisfying every time I make it. I hope you give it a try and discover just how simple it is to create a family-friendly BBQ feast with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you have that first bite, it’ll quickly become a favorite for busy nights and relaxed weekends alike.