Authentic Mexican Chicken and Rice Delight
Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico right in your kitchen with this Authentic Mexican Chicken and Rice Delight. This hearty one-dish meal features succulent pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and hearty black beans, all infused with the robust taste of ancho chile powder. It's a satisfying and nutritious meal that's not only easy to prepare but also a true crowd-pleaser. Perfect for weeknight dinners or serving guests, this dish is best enjoyed topped with your favorite salsa for an added flavor burst. Dive into a delightful culinary experience that brings the warmth of Mexican cooking to your table.
6
Servings
125
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (Measure out and heat in the saucepan.)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 lbs (Season with salt and chili powder, then cut into 1-inch cubes after cooking.)
Salt
to taste (Used for seasoning chicken and at your preference.)
Dried ancho chile powder
2 1/2 tablespoons (Measured for seasoning the chicken and the rice.)
White onion
1 (Diced.)
Long-grain white rice
1 cup (Rinse lightly, then add to the saucepan.)
Garlic cloves
4 (Minced.)
Chicken stock
2 cups (Use as broth for the rice.)
Black beans
1 (19 ounce) can (Drained and rinsed.)
Green onion
1/3 cup (Chopped, for garnish.)
Instructions
1
1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
2. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and 1 tablespoon of ancho chile powder.
3
3. Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil, ensuring it is laid in a single layer. Sear the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes until browned, then flip and cook the other side for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
4
4. Once browned, remove the chicken to a plate and allow to cool slightly. Retain as much oil in the pan as possible.
5
5. When it's cool enough to handle, cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes.
6
6. In the same saucepan, add the diced onion and long-grain rice. Sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice becomes opaque and lightly toasted.
7
7. Stir in the minced garlic and the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of ancho chile powder, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
8
8. Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil while stirring.
9
9. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let simmer for 10 minutes.
10
10. After 10 minutes, uncover the pot and add the cubed chicken and rinsed black beans. Stir gently to combine, then cover and cook for an additional 12 minutes.
11
11. Remove the lid and sprinkle the chopped green onions over the dish.
12
12. Check the rice for doneness; if still firm, cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
13
13. Once the rice is tender, remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming.
14
14. Fluff the rice and chicken mixture with a fork before serving.
15
15. Serve warm, topped with salsa or hot sauce of your choice.
Nutrition Information
3.33g
Fat
15g
Carbs
6.67g
Protein
2.33g
Fiber
133.33mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Mexican Chicken and Rice Delight?
It is a hearty one-dish meal featuring chicken, rice, and black beans, all infused with the robust taste of ancho chile powder.
What type of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the main seasoning for the chicken and rice?
The main seasoning is 2.5 tablespoons of dried ancho chile powder.
How should the chicken be prepared before cubing?
Season the chicken with salt and chile powder, then sear in olive oil for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned.
What size should the chicken pieces be cut into?
The chicken should be cut into 1-inch cubes after it has been seared.
What kind of rice is used for this Mexican dish?
The recipe requires 1 cup of long-grain white rice.
How much olive oil is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of olive oil for searing the chicken and sautéing the rice.
What type of onion is recommended?
One white onion, diced, is used in this recipe.
How many garlic cloves are included?
The dish uses 4 minced garlic cloves.
Do the black beans need to be drained?
Yes, use one 19-ounce can of black beans that has been drained and rinsed.
How much chicken stock is required?
You will need 2 cups of chicken stock.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 125 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is 3.33g of fat per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
Each serving contains 15g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is provided per serving?
Each serving provides 6.67g of protein.
What is the fiber content of this dish?
There is 2.33g of fiber per serving.
How much sodium is in each serving?
There is 133.33mg of sodium per serving.
What is used as a garnish for the dish?
The dish is garnished with 1/3 cup of chopped green onions.
What are the recommended toppings for serving?
It is best enjoyed topped with your favorite salsa or hot sauce.
How long should the rice simmer initially?
After reaching a boil, reduce heat and simmer the rice covered for 10 minutes.
When do you add the chicken and beans back into the pot?
Add the cubed chicken and rinsed black beans after the rice has simmered for 10 minutes.
How long do the chicken and beans cook with the rice?
They should cook together, covered, for an additional 12 minutes.
What should I do if the rice is still firm after the timer ends?
If the rice is still firm, cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Does the dish need to rest after cooking?
Yes, let it stand, covered, for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming.
How should the mixture be prepared just before serving?
Fluff the rice and chicken mixture with a fork before serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this recipe considered easy to prepare?
Yes, it is described as an easy one-dish meal that is perfect for weeknight dinners.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it is tagged as spicy and features ancho chile powder as a key ingredient.
What category of food does this dish belong to?
This dish is categorized as Mexican comfort food and a healthy family dinner.