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Mexican Chicken & Rice

Mexican Chicken & Rice is a vibrant dish that captures the essence of Mexican cuisine in every bite. This one-pot meal combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of spices and vegetables, creating a colorful and aromatic feast.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 1.5 pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces.

Grains

  • 1 cup Long-Grain White Rice Cooks fluffy and separates well.

Liquids

  • 2 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth Adds depth of flavor.

Vegetables

  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Diced.
  • 1 medium Green Bell Pepper Diced.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Chopped.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 large Tomato Diced.

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika

Fats

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing.

Herbs

  • 1 handful Fresh Cilantro Chopped for garnish.

Seasonings

  • Salt To taste.
  • Pepper To taste.

Instructions
 

  • 1. Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  • 2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  • 3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, diced bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  • 4. Stir in the rice, cumin, chili powder, and paprika, allowing the rice to toast slightly for about 1-2 minutes.
  • 5. Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
  • 6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together.
  • 7. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
  • 8. After 20 minutes, check if the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. If needed, let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
  • 9. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
  • 10. Serve hot, with toppings like avocado slices, lime wedges, or additional cilantro.

Notes

This dish tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep. You can customize it with different proteins or vegetables based on your preference.
Keyword Easy