Cheesy Mexican Chicken And Rice (One Pot!)
Who doesn’t love a dish that combines the fabulous flavors of Mexican cuisine with the comforting essence of a cheesy, hearty meal? Cheesy Mexican Chicken And Rice (One Pot!) is here to tick all those boxes, providing you with a delicious, satisfying, and easy meal that you can whip up in just one pot. This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a breeze to make, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal with family or friends.
Imagine tender chicken breast, perfectly seasoned with taco spices, combined with fluffy rice, vibrant vegetables, and melty cheese, all coming together in an effortless cooking process. Let’s dive into why this dish has become a favorite!
Why Cooks Rave About It
One of the standout features of this Cheesy Mexican Chicken And Rice (One Pot!) recipe is its simplicity. With minimal prep and clean-up, it suits busy weeknights perfectly. The medley of flavors, from the zesty taco seasoning to the creamy cheddar cheese, creates a mouthwatering experience that keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, the versatility of this dish allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences or dietary needs, making it a staple in any kitchen.
Ingredient Checklist
To create this delicious dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into one-inch cubes
- 6 teaspoons taco seasoning, divided
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups corn (frozen or drained from a can)
- 15.5 ounces canned black beans, drained
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 medium lime
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Gear Checklist
Before you begin, make sure you have the following kitchen tools on hand:
- Large pot or Dutch oven – perfect for one-pot cooking.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring and mixing ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure accuracy in your measurements.
- Knife and cutting board – to chop your ingredients with ease.
- Can opener – for opening your cans of tomatoes and beans.
Cheesy Mexican Chicken And Rice (One Pot!): Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to create your Cheesy Mexican Chicken And Rice (One Pot!)? Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Season the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the chicken breast cubes with 3 teaspoons of taco seasoning and salt. Make sure the chicken is well-coated.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato paste, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, and the remaining 3 teaspoons of taco seasoning to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Add the Rice
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the long-grain white rice and stir to evenly distribute it. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Step 6: Add the Chicken Back
After 20 minutes, remove the pot from heat. Add the cooked chicken back into the pot and mix everything gently. Let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 7: Finish with Cheese and Lime
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top and cover the pot again for a few minutes, allowing the cheese to melt. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Swaps
If you’re looking to make this dish dairy-free or gluten-free, here are some easy swaps:
- Use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast in place of cheddar cheese.
- Substitute the regular chicken broth with gluten-free broth or vegetable broth.
- Ensure that the taco seasoning is gluten-free; many brands offer gluten-free options.
Things That Go Wrong
Even the best cooks encounter hiccups in the kitchen. Here are some common issues you might face while making Cheesy Mexican Chicken And Rice (One Pot!):
- Rice not cooked properly: Make sure you’re using long-grain white rice and not overcooking or undercooking it. Follow the timing closely.
- Too much liquid: If you find the dish too soupy, allow it to simmer a bit longer without the lid to evaporate some excess liquid.
- Burnt bottom: Keep an eye on the heat and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
This Cheesy Mexican Chicken And Rice (One Pot!) is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- You can also freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen it up.
Quick Q&A
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the cooking time and broth accordingly.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish is hearty enough on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad, tortilla chips, or guacamole for a complete meal.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. You may want to add extra beans or tofu for protein.
How can I spice it up?
If you like it spicy, add jalapeños or use hot taco seasoning. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side.
Our Most-Loved Recipes
If you enjoyed this Cheesy Mexican Chicken And Rice (One Pot!), you may love these other recipes:
- Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken
- One-Pan Lemon Garlic Pasta
- Easy Chicken Stir Fry
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Time to Try It
Now that you have all the details, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! Cheesy Mexican Chicken And Rice (One Pot!) is not only a satisfying meal but also a delightful way to bring the vibrant flavors of Mexico into your kitchen. Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family. Happy cooking!
Cheesy Mexican Chicken And Rice (One Pot!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, toss the chicken breast cubes with 3 teaspoons of taco seasoning and salt. Make sure the chicken is well-coated.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato paste, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, and the remaining 3 teaspoons of taco seasoning to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the long-grain white rice and stir to evenly distribute it. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- After 20 minutes, remove the pot from heat. Add the cooked chicken back into the pot and mix everything gently. Let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top and cover the pot again for a few minutes, allowing the cheese to melt. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- You can also freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen it up.
