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### **Instructions**
#### **Step 1: Prep the Chicken**
Start by preparing the chicken. If using chicken breasts, consider pounding them out to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. These spices will give the chicken a depth of flavor even before it’s coated in the BBQ sauce.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
#### **Step 2: Prepare the Rice Base**
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if necessary, and sauté the diced onion and red bell pepper for about 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This will create a flavorful base for the rice.
Next, add the rice to the skillet, stirring it for a minute or two to toast it lightly and enhance its flavor. This step will help the rice absorb all the delicious flavors in the skillet as it cooks.
#### **Step 3: Add the Flavorful Sauces**
Once the rice is lightly toasted, pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, chopped chipotle peppers, and adobo sauce. Stir everything together to combine and bring the liquid to a simmer. The chipotle peppers will infuse the dish with a smoky, spicy kick, while the BBQ sauce adds richness and tanginess.
Season the rice mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the rice to cook for about 15-20 minutes (or longer for brown rice), or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
#### **Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Combine**
While the rice is cooking, take the cooked chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Once the rice has absorbed all the liquid, carefully stir the shredded chicken into the rice mixture, ensuring the chicken is evenly distributed. The chicken will soak up some of the BBQ chipotle sauce, further enhancing the flavors.
#### **Step 5: Finish Cooking and Garnish**
Continue to cook the chicken and rice mixture for another 5 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together. If you like your rice a bit saucier, you can add a splash of chicken broth at this stage to adjust the consistency.
Once the dish is fully cooked, garnish it with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a burst of citrusy freshness. You can also add shredded cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream on top for added richness and flavor.
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## **Tips for Perfecting Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet**
### **1. Customize the Spice Level**
The **chipotle peppers** in adobo sauce can vary in heat, so it’s important to adjust the number of peppers you use based on your heat tolerance. If you prefer a milder dish, start with one pepper and taste before adding more. Conversely, if you love spice, feel free to add extra chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
### **2. Use Brown Rice for a Healthier Option**
If you prefer brown rice, you can easily swap it out for white rice. However, keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to add more liquid (about 1 1/2 cups of broth or water for every cup of brown rice) and extend the cooking time by 10-15 minutes.
### **3. Make it Vegetarian**
To make this dish vegetarian, you can replace the chicken with plant-based protein such as tofu or tempeh. For a more substantial dish, add beans like black beans or pinto beans for added protein and texture.
### **4. Play Around with Vegetables**
Feel free to customize the vegetables in this dish. Adding corn, zucchini, or spinach can elevate the flavor profile and add extra nutrients. You can also switch out the bell pepper for other types of peppers, such as poblano or jalapeño, depending on your preference.
### **5. Use Leftover Chicken or Rotisserie Chicken**
If you’re short on time, consider using leftover cooked chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken. This will save you the step of cooking the chicken from scratch and allow you to assemble the dish much quicker.
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## **Serving Suggestions**
The **Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet** is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of sides and accompaniments to create a more well-rounded feast. Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside this dish:
– **Side Salad**: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will add freshness and balance to the richness of the chicken and rice.
– **Grilled Vegetables**: Charred corn on the cob or grilled asparagus would be the perfect complement to this smoky dish.
– **Tortilla Chips**: For extra crunch, serve the skillet with tortilla chips or homemade pita chips to dip into the flavorful sauce.
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## **Conclusion: A Hearty, Flavorful Meal**
The **Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet** is an easy, one-pan wonder that brings together the smoky heat of chipotle peppers, the richness of BBQ sauce, and the tender goodness of chicken, all layered on a bed of flavorful rice. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress with its bold, comforting flavors and minimal cleanup.
By following the steps in this article and using the tips provided, you’ll be able to create a dish that’s full of flavor and sure to satisfy your cravings for a hearty, satisfying meal. So, grab your skillet, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a plate of **Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice**—a meal that’s as delicious as it is simple to make!
