Looking for a quick, tasty, one-pan weeknight dinner? This easy Mexican chicken and rice recipe is sure to satisfy! Packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors like salsa, beans, corn and plenty of spice, it comes together in just 30 minutes.
The best part is that it all cooks in one pan, keeping prep and cleanup a breeze. Simply sauté the chicken with the rice and veggies until heated through, then let it bake until the rice is perfectly tender. Top with cheese for a little extra richness and garnish with avocado, cilantro or whatever toppings you love.
With just 5 main ingredients, this flavorful meal is budget-friendly too. Serve the cheesy chicken and rice as is or use it to fill tortillas for Mexican-inspired tacos or burritos. However you enjoy it, this satisfying one-pan dinner will become a go-to!
How to Make Mexican Chicken and Rice
Making this chicken rice casserole is easy with just 20 minutes of prep time. The entire meal is made in one pan, keeping cleanup quick too. Simply prepare the ingredients, mix everything in a skillet, and bake until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
The Ingredients
- Skinless chicken breasts
- Mexican chicken and rice soup
- Long grain white rice
- Black beans
- Frozen corn
- Jar of salsa
- Taco seasoning
- Chicken stock
- Shredded cheese like chicken cheese and rice mexican
DIETARY NOTE
This rice and chicken mexican recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free. Omit the cheese or use a non-dairy alternative if needed.
SUBSTITUTION TIP
You can use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb version of this mexican chicken and rice.
The Directions
- Chop the chicken into bite-size pieces and combine with rice, beans, corn, salsa, taco seasoning, and broth in a skillet.
- Bring to a boil then cover and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- Remove cover, top with shredded cheese, and bake 5 more minutes until melted.
- Fluff with a fork before serving chicken and mexican rice hot.
Storage Tips
Leftover mexican chicken and rice soup will keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
Mexican Chicken Rice One Pan Dinner
Make this easy and flavorful one pan Mexican chicken and rice for a quick weeknight meal. 20 min meal!
Customize the Flavors
One of the great things about this chicken rice recipe is how versatile it is. Feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your tastes.
- Use different salsas like tomatillo or chipotle for more flavor variety.
- Add diced bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
- Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for more depth.
- Throw in extras like olives, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, etc.
- Adjust the spices to your desired level of heat.
Get creative with additional mix-ins to make this chicken rice casserole your own!
Recipe Variations
While this recipe uses chicken, you can easily substitute beef or pork to change it up.
- Ground beef or shredded pork work well instead of the chicken.
- For a meatless option, use extra beans or roasted vegetables.
You can also switch out the rice to make it low-carb.
- Cauliflower rice is a great gluten-free alternative.
- Shredded zucchini or spaghetti squash also work.
This Mexican rice and chicken soup is very flexible, so have fun playing with ingredients!
Serving Suggestions
Here are some tasty ways to serve up this flavorful chicken rice:
- Garnish with avocado, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, etc.
- Top with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes.
- Sprinkle with extra shredded cheese.
- Scoop into tortillas for burritos or tacos.
- Enjoy as is or with crunchy tortilla chips on the side.
With its Tex-Mex flavors, this dish pairs perfectly with typical taco accompaniments. Get creative with toppings!
What to Serve with Mexican Chicken Rice
This mexican rice and chicken soup is delicious on its own but pairs well with toppings like avocado, salsa, guacamole, cilantro, lime wedges, etc. Side dishes could include chips and guacamole, beans, salad, etc.
More One Pan Recipes
If you love quick and easy one-pan meals, try these next:
- Baked chicken and vegetables
- Sausage and peppers skillet
- Mexican chicken soup with rice
Mexican Chicken Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 (15 oz) jar salsa
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar (optional)
Instructions
- Add the chicken, rice, beans, corn, salsa, taco seasoning and broth to a 12-inch skillet. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
- Remove lid and sprinkle cheese over the top. Let sit a minute or two to melt the cheese.
- Fluff with a fork and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition
Calories: 500kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 1320mg | Potassium: 811mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 535IU | Vitamin C: 8.2mg | Calcium: 204mg | Iron: 3mg
FAQs
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can prep the raw ingredients in advance, refrigerating the diced chicken and measured dry goods in separate containers until ready to cook.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles easily. Just use a larger skillet and adjust cooking time if needed.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Chicken thighs work great instead of breasts. Follow the same cooking instructions.
How long will leftovers last?
Properly stored leftovers will keep 3-4 days refrigerated or 2-3 months frozen.
What’s the best rice to use?
Long grain or jasmine rice works well, but you can use any type of white rice you prefer.
Enjoy Family Favorite Mexican Chicken Rice
This easy one-pan dinner recipe is sure to become a new family favorite! Customize the flavors to your liking and enjoy a tasty Mexican-inspired meal.
