Zesty Tex-Mex Chicken Rice Skillet
This Zesty Tex-Mex Chicken Rice Skillet is a vibrant and flavorful one-dish meal that's perfect for using up leftover rice. The succulent seasoned chicken combines beautifully with zesty salsa, sweet corn, and hearty black beans, all topped off with melty Monterey Jack cheese. It's an easy-to-make dish that brings the bold flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine to your table in no time. Great for a family dinner or meal prep, this recipe is both satisfying and delicious. Perfectly suited for weeknight meals when you're short on time but crave something tasty!
4
Servings
320
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
leftover rice
4 cups (cooked)
cooking spray
as needed (for greasing)
seasoned chicken breast
3/4 lb (cut into cubes)
mild or hot salsa
1 (8 ounce) jar (your choice)
Mexican-style corn
1 (11 ounce) can (drained)
black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
Monterey Jack pepper cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
Begin by spraying a large skillet with cooking spray and place it over medium heat.
2
Add the cubed seasoned chicken breast to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Once the chicken is cooked through, stir in the salsa, drained Mexican-style corn, black beans, and the leftover rice. Mix well to combine and heat through for another 3-5 minutes.
4
Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet for a few minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
5
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, give it a final stir and serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as chopped cilantro or avocado.
Nutrition Information
6.5g
Fat
39g
Carbs
21g
Protein
7.5g
Fiber
1.25g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Tex-Mex Chicken Rice Skillet?
It is a vibrant and flavorful one-dish meal featuring seasoned chicken, leftover rice, salsa, corn, and black beans, topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Can I use fresh rice instead of leftover rice?
Yes, you can use fresh rice, but leftover rice is preferred as it is drier and holds its texture better when stir-fried.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 320 calories.
What type of chicken is best for this skillet?
The recipe calls for 3/4 lb of seasoned chicken breast, cut into cubes.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken should be cooked for about 5-7 minutes until it is no longer pink in the center.
What kind of salsa should I use?
You can use either mild or hot salsa depending on your heat preference.
What is Mexican-style corn?
Mexican-style corn is canned corn that usually includes added ingredients like red and green bell peppers.
Do I need to drain the black beans?
Yes, the black beans should be rinsed and drained before being added to the skillet.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese.
Can I substitute the Monterey Jack cheese?
Yes, you can substitute it with Cheddar, a Mexican blend, or Mozzarella if preferred.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 21g of protein per serving.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
Yes, it contains 7.5g of fiber per serving, primarily from the beans and corn.
What is the total fat content?
Each serving has 6.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 39g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and add extra beans or a meat substitute like tofu or tempeh.
What are some recommended toppings?
Garnish with chopped cilantro or fresh avocado for extra flavor.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, it reheats well and is a great option for quick weekday lunches or dinners.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this chicken rice skillet?
Yes, this dish can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
How do I make the dish spicier?
Use hot salsa and add extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice works perfectly and adds a slightly nuttier flavor and extra fiber.
What size skillet do I need?
A large skillet is recommended to ensure all ingredients fit and can be stirred easily.
How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?
Add the rice at the very end just to heat it through, and avoid over-stirring once it's combined with the liquid from the salsa.
Is there a lot of sugar in this recipe?
No, there is only 1.25g of sugar per serving.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, bell peppers, onions, or zucchini would make great additions to this skillet.
Do I need oil to cook the chicken?
The recipe suggests using cooking spray to grease the pan, which keeps the fat content lower.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients if you have a large enough skillet or use a pot.
How long does the entire cooking process take?
The total active cooking time is approximately 15-20 minutes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your salsa and chicken seasoning to be certain.