Description
This Mexican Chicken and Rice is a one-pan meal packed with juicy chicken, perfectly seasoned rice, and bold spices. It’s a simple, delicious dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Rice:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
For Serving (Optional):
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast the rice: Add rice, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and salt. Stir well and cook for 1 minute to toast the rice.
- Simmer: Pour in diced tomatoes (with juice) and chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
- Finish the dish: Stir in the cooked chicken, frozen corn, and black beans. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes, until everything is heated through.
- Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork and top with shredded cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Enjoy!
Notes
- Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder for heat.
- Make it creamy: Stir in ½ cup sour cream or a splash of heavy cream before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.