WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS LAZY NIGHT BBQ CHICKEN WITH RICE
This dish gives you great flavors without much work. It is perfect for busy nights. Everyone likes this comforting meal. You can easily change it to fit what you like. Most of the cooking happens in one pan, which means less cleaning for you. It’s a full meal that tastes good and fills you up.
INGREDIENTS OF: LAZY NIGHT BBQ CHICKEN WITH RICE
THE STARS OF THE SHOW
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1.5 cups long-grain white rice (like Basmati or Jasmine)
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
THE FLAVOR FOUNDATION
- 1 cup your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
FRESHNESS & FUN (OPTIONAL GARNISHES)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 lime or lemon, cut into wedges
DIRECTIONS OF: LAZY NIGHT BBQ CHICKEN WITH RICE
STEP 1: PREP YOUR CHICKEN FOR SUCCESS
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
If you want more flavor, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until light brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
STEP 2: THE RICE FOUNDATION
Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. This makes the rice fluffy.
Pour the chicken broth into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Stir in the rinsed rice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure the rice is spread evenly.
STEP 3: BBQ MAGIC BEGINS
Place the seared chicken pieces (or raw chicken, if you skipped searing) on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish.
Spoon or brush about 3/4 of the BBQ sauce generously over each piece of chicken.
STEP 4: BAKE TO PERFECTION
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil, then brush the remaining BBQ sauce over the chicken.
Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. If the rice looks dry but isn’t quite done, you can add a splash more broth or water and re-cover for a few more minutes.
STEP 5: REST AND SERVE
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps the chicken stay juicy.
Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and sliced green onions. Squeeze some lime or lemon juice over the top for a bright finish.
HOW TO SERVE LAZY NIGHT BBQ CHICKEN WITH RICE
CLASSIC SIDES
Serve with steamed green beans or broccoli. A simple garden salad with vinaigrette also pairs well. You can also add corn on the cob.
CREATIVE PAIRINGS
Try it with coleslaw. Roasted sweet potatoes are another good option. Crusty bread is great for soaking up the sauce.
HOW TO STORE LAZY NIGHT BBQ CHICKEN WITH RICE
Store leftover Lazy Night BBQ Chicken with Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
TIPS TO MAKE LAZY NIGHT BBQ CHICKEN WITH RICE
SPICE IT UP
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your BBQ sauce if you like heat. You can also use a spicier BBQ sauce.
VEGGIE BOOST
Add chopped bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the baking dish with the chicken and rice for more vegetables. Stir in frozen peas or corn during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
CHEESE PLEASE
Sprinkle shredded cheese (like cheddar or Monterey Jack) over the chicken during the last few minutes of baking.
MARINADE MAGIC
For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in a little BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
DON’T PEEK!
Do not lift the lid of the baking dish too often while it cooks. This keeps the steam inside, which helps the rice cook properly and become fluffy.
DON’T OVERCOOK!
Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C). This makes sure the chicken is juicy, not dry.
VARIATIONS
You can use different types of BBQ sauce, such as a smoky, sweet, or tangy one. Try adding diced pineapple or peaches to the dish for a Hawaiian twist. Instead of chicken, you can use turkey slices for a different meat option.
FAQS
CAN I MAKE THIS LAZY NIGHT BBQ CHICKEN WITH RICE AHEAD OF TIME?
Yes, you can prep some parts ahead. You can season the chicken and rinse the rice. Store them separately in the fridge. You can assemble the dish and bake it once you are ready.
WHAT KIND OF RICE IS BEST FOR LAZY NIGHT BBQ CHICKEN WITH RICE?
Long-grain white rice like Basmati or Jasmine works best. They cook evenly and become fluffy. Brown rice can be used, but it will need more liquid and a longer cooking time.
CAN I USE FROZEN CHICKEN FOR THIS LAZY NIGHT BBQ CHICKEN WITH RICE RECIPE?
It is best to use thawed chicken for even cooking. If you must use frozen chicken, make sure it is fully defrosted before seasoning and cooking. This prevents uneven cooking and ensures the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
Classic Lazy Night BBQ Chicken with Rice
Equipment
- paper towels
- oven-safe skillet
- fine-mesh sieve
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- aluminum foil
- meat thermometer
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Rice
- 1.5 cups long-grain white rice (Basmati or Jasmine)
Liquid
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce
Spices
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional for searing
- 1 tablespoon oil (e.g., olive oil)
Optional Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper. Optionally, sear chicken in an oven-safe skillet with oil for 2-3 minutes per side until light brown, then set aside.
Rice Mixture
- Rinse rice until clear. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, stir rinsed rice, chicken broth, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, spreading the rice evenly.
Assembly
- Place seared or raw chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture. Spoon or brush about 3/4 of the BBQ sauce generously over each chicken piece.
Bake Covered
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Finish Baking
- Remove the foil and brush the remaining BBQ sauce over the chicken. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and rice is tender.
Rest and Serve
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, sliced green onions, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve hot.