One whiff of One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice, and your taste buds will be dancing the salsa! Imagine succulent chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a medley of colorful veggies all simmering together in a savory broth that wraps around you like a warm burrito. This dish is not only a feast for the senses but also an easy way to whip up dinner without a mountain of dirty dishes waiting to mock you. For more inspiration, check out this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta recipe.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice
- How to Make One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs :
- What ingredients do I need for One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice?
- How long does it take to prepare One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice?
- Can I make One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice ahead of time?
- What can I serve with One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice?
- Conclusion for One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice :
- 📖 Recipe Card
Picture this: it’s a busy weeknight, and you’re tired after work, but suddenly, the aroma of spices wafts through the air as you sauté your way to dinner perfection. As you serve this one-pan wonder, you’ll feel like a culinary rock star who just stepped off the stage after a sold-out performance. Whether it’s taco Tuesday or just another night in, this dish has got your back!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice is perfect for easy meal prep; throw everything in one pan and let it do its thing.
- The explosive flavors will have everyone asking for seconds—maybe even thirds!
- Visually stunning with vibrant colors, it’s sure to impress at any gathering.
- Versatile enough to accommodate any protein or veggie you have lying around!
Ingredients for One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts are perfect for this recipe; they cook quickly and absorb all those wonderful flavors.
- Long-Grain White Rice: Use long-grain rice for fluffy texture; it cooks evenly alongside the chicken.
- Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth; it enhances flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
- Bell Peppers: Choose colorful bell peppers—red, yellow, or green—to add sweetness and crunch.
- Onion: A sweet onion brings depth to the dish; chop it finely so it blends nicely with other ingredients.
For the Seasoning:
- Cumin: This aromatic spice adds warmth; use ground cumin for convenience.
- Chili Powder: For that essential kick; adjust based on your heat preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and chop the veggies. This makes cooking smoother—no frantic searching mid-recipe!
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In a large skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion and bell peppers, cooking until they soften—about five minutes should do.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Add your chicken breasts to the pan. Cook them until golden brown on both sides—about four minutes per side should suffice. You want them looking as beautiful as they taste!
Step 4: Add Rice and Broth
Stir in the rice along with chicken broth. Sprinkle in cumin and chili powder for that authentic Mexican flavor explosion!
Step 5: Simmer Away
Bring everything to a gentle boil. Then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet tightly, and let it simmer for about twenty minutes until the rice absorbs all that glorious broth.
Step 6: Fluff and Serve
Once done, remove from heat. Fluff up that rice with a fork (because we’re fancy like that) and serve hot. Garnish with fresh cilantro if you’re feeling extra gourmet!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
And there you have it! One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice—a dish so easy that even your pet goldfish might consider trying their fins at cooking! Enjoy every bite while dreaming of sunny fiestas where tacos reign supreme!
You Must Know
- One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice is the ultimate weeknight savior.
- This dish not only packs a punch of flavor but also cuts down on cleanup time.
- The vibrant colors and savory aromas will impress anyone sitting at your dinner table.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in that juicy goodness, then toss in the rice while you prepare your favorite spices. This sequence ensures everything cooks evenly and flavors meld beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or even beans for a vegetarian twist. Toss in some black olives or corn to enhance texture and flavor, making it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep the rice fluffy and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always check your chicken’s doneness with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Letting it rest before slicing keeps the juices flowing.
- Lastly, use low-sodium broth for better control over seasoning!
Sometimes I chuckle remembering my first attempt at this recipe when I mistook chili powder for cinnamon. Let’s just say dessert didn’t happen that night!
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice?
To make One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, long-grain rice, bell peppers, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and a blend of spices like cumin and chili powder. Fresh cilantro adds a nice touch for garnish. spicy and sweet sauce This recipe is flexible; feel free to add beans or corn for extra flavor and nutrition. Ensure you have all ingredients ready before starting to streamline the cooking process.
How long does it take to prepare One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice?
Preparation time for One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice is approximately 10-15 minutes. Cooking usually takes about 30-35 minutes, making the total time around 45-50 minutes. This quick dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The one-pan aspect not only saves time but also minimizes cleanup, letting you enjoy your meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.
Can I make One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice ahead of time. After cooking, let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to three days when properly stored. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to keep it moist. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping or easy lunches throughout the week.
What can I serve with One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice?
One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice is a complete meal on its own; however, you can enhance your dining experience by serving it with sides like guacamole, sour cream, or fresh salsa. Mediterranean-inspired chicken salad A simple salad with lime dressing pairs well too. For a heartier option, consider serving tortilla chips alongside to scoop up any leftovers on your plate.
Conclusion for One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice :
In summary, One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice offers a deliciously simple way to enjoy vibrant flavors while keeping prep and cleanup minimal. With just a few ingredients and straightforward cooking methods, this dish is perfect for families or gatherings. It’s versatile enough to accommodate various tastes by adding optional ingredients like vegetables or beans. Enjoy this hearty meal that brings together convenience and flavor in one pan! For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Amish Country Casserole recipe.
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice is a flavor-packed, colorful dish that brings the essence of Mexico straight to your dinner table. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a mix of vibrant vegetables simmered in savory broth, this one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights. Quick to prepare and easy to clean up, it delivers a delightful meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping the veggies and measuring the rice.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion and bell peppers for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add chicken breasts to the skillet and brown on both sides for about 4 minutes each.
- Stir in the rice and add chicken broth along with cumin and chili powder.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and let simmer for 20 minutes or until rice absorbs all liquid.
- Fluff rice with a fork before serving hot. Optionally garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
