One-Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice Delight
Savor the vibrant flavors of Mexico with this One-Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice Delight. This dish features tender, seasoned chicken breast simmered with spicy diced tomatoes, aromatic onions, and zesty taco seasoning, all combined with fluffy rice and topped with gooey melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this meal is not only delicious but also easy to prepare with minimal clean-up. Enjoy the rich blend of spices, protein, and carbs in every bite—all made in just one skillet!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flour
1/4 cup (none)
Seasoning Salt
3/4 teaspoon (none)
Boneless Chicken Breast
1 lb (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Vegetable Oil
2 tablespoons (for frying)
Diced Tomatoes
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans (undrained (or rotel))
Taco Seasoning Mix
1 1/4 ounces (none)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Canned Sliced Ripe Olives
2 1/4 ounces (none)
Long Grain Rice
1 cup (uncooked)
Water
1 cup (none)
Cheddar Cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
In a large zip-top plastic bag, mix the flour and seasoning salt. Add the cubed chicken breast, seal the bag tightly, and shake vigorously until the chicken is well-coated with the flour mixture.
2
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken to the skillet. Brown the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it's golden brown on all sides.
3
Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, taco seasoning mix, chopped onion, sliced olives, uncooked rice, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.
4
Once boiling, cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the rice has absorbed the liquid and is tender.
5
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar cheese, cover, and let it sit for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is One-Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice Delight?
It is a vibrant, one-skillet meal featuring seasoned chicken breast, rice, diced tomatoes, and Mexican spices, topped with melted cheddar cheese.
What kind of chicken should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of boneless chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for chicken breast if you prefer a juicier meat.
Why do I need to coat the chicken in flour?
Coating the chicken in flour and seasoning salt helps it brown better and helps thicken the sauce as the dish simmers.
What is the best way to coat the chicken evenly?
The easiest method is to place the flour and seasoning salt in a large zip-top plastic bag, add the chicken cubes, and shake vigorously.
What type of oil is recommended for frying the chicken?
Vegetable oil is recommended for browning the chicken in the skillet over medium-high heat.
How long should I brown the chicken?
You should brown the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes until it is golden brown on all sides.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes before adding them?
No, you should use two 14.5-ounce cans of undrained diced tomatoes to provide the necessary liquid for cooking the rice.
Can I use Rotel instead of standard diced tomatoes?
Yes, using Rotel is a great alternative if you want to add more green chilies and spice to the dish.
What kind of rice is best for this one-pan meal?
Uncooked long-grain white rice is recommended for the best texture and absorption of flavors.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can, but brown rice requires more liquid and a significantly longer cooking time, so you would need to adjust the recipe accordingly.
How much taco seasoning is required?
The recipe requires 1 1/4 ounces of taco seasoning mix, which is typically one standard store-bought packet.
What other vegetables are included in this recipe?
In addition to tomatoes, the recipe includes one chopped onion and canned sliced ripe olives.
Do I need to pre-cook the rice?
No, the rice is added to the skillet uncooked and simmers with the other ingredients to absorb the liquid.
How much water do I need to add to the skillet?
You should add 1 cup of water to the mixture along with the undrained tomatoes.
How long does the dish need to simmer?
Once it reaches a boil, cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for about 25 minutes.
Should I stir the rice while it is simmering?
Yes, it is recommended to stir occasionally to ensure the rice doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.
How do I know when the rice is finished cooking?
The rice is done when it is tender and has absorbed all the liquid in the skillet.
What kind of cheese should I use for the topping?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, but a Mexican blend or Monterey Jack would also work well.
How do I get the cheese to melt perfectly?
After the simmering time, sprinkle the cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and let it sit off the heat for 5 minutes.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild to medium spice level depending on the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes used, but it is generally family-friendly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
You can add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or use 'hot' variety diced tomatoes and taco seasoning.
What size skillet do I need?
A large, deep skillet with a tight-fitting lid is necessary to hold all the ingredients and allow the rice to steam.
Can I omit the olives?
Yes, if you are not a fan of olives, they can be omitted without affecting the cooking process.
Is this a good meal for weeknights?
Yes, it is excellent for weeknights because it uses one pan for easy cleanup and takes less than an hour to prepare.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
How do I reheat the Mexican Chicken and Rice?
You can reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet on the stove with a splash of water to keep the rice from drying out.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with this meal?
It is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a side salad, tortilla chips, or extra toppings like sour cream and avocado.
Does this recipe contain many allergens?
It contains gluten (flour) and dairy (cheese). For a gluten-free version, you can substitute cornstarch for the flour.