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Delicious Lazy Night BBQ Chicken with Rice dinner

Classic Lazy Night BBQ Chicken with Rice

Enjoy a delicious and easy-to-make BBQ chicken with fluffy rice, perfect for a relaxed weeknight meal. This recipe features tender chicken coated in a smoky BBQ sauce, served alongside perfectly cooked rice, with optional fresh garnishes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or foil
  • Bowl
  • Paper towels
  • Medium saucepan
  • Lid (for saucepan)
  • Fork

Ingredients
  

For the BBQ Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts boneless, skinless
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce your favorite
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • a touch olive oil Optional

For the Rice

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice e.g., jasmine or basmati
  • 2 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp butter or olive oil Optional

For Garnish

  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley chopped
  • 2 tbsp green onions sliced

Instructions
 

Preparing the BBQ Chicken

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then toss it in a bowl with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Add 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce to the chicken and toss to ensure it's well coated.
  • Place the seasoned chicken in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.
  • Remove the chicken from the oven and generously brush with the remaining 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce.
  • Return the chicken to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is caramelized and bubbly.
  • Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before cutting or shredding.

Cooking the Rice

  • Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, chicken broth (or water), and salt; optionally add butter or olive oil.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until all liquid is absorbed.
  • Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes.
  • Fluff the cooked rice with a fork before serving.

To Serve

  • Divide the cooked rice among plates, then place generous amounts of the BBQ chicken over the rice.
  • Optionally, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, parsley, or sliced green onions for garnish.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes before baking. Adjust spice levels to your preference. Ensure rice is not overcooked for best texture.