One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice
A vibrant and delicious one-pan dish combining succulent chicken, aromatic spices, and fluffy rice, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs Can substitute with chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil For cooking the chicken
- Salt and pepper to taste For seasoning
For the Rice Mixture
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced Any color
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained 15 oz
- 1 cup corn Fresh, frozen, or canned
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz with juice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and add them to the skillet.
- Cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Preparing the Rice Mixture
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the rice, black beans, and corn, mixing well to combine.
- Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet.
- Allow the dish to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
Final Assembly
- While the rice cooks, chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the chicken back to the skillet during the last 5 minutes of cooking to warm it through.
- When the rice is tender and all the liquid has evaporated, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
For added flavor, marinate chicken in lime juice before cooking. Consider adding cheese for a creamy texture after cooking. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.