Mexican Chicken Rice
A One-Pot Wonder! Some say this is called Spanish chicken and rice. Others say it's called Mexican chicken, rice, and cheese. And I can't tell you if it's Mexican, Spanish, or Southwest influcnced. What I can tell you is that it's really delicious.
What Makes This Recipe Spanish Chicken with Rice so great?
Imagine yourself enjoying a delicious dinner that doesn't cost a lot and is all made in one pot. That's the calm and cozy feeling I have when I eat this delicious chicken rice dish inspired by Mexican flavors that my is one of my latest frugal foodie creations. It's not bad at all to spend a Wednesday night with a big helping of this Spanish Chicken with Rice and also enjoying that I don't have much cleaning up to do afterwards.People call this dish different names.
Mexican Chicken Rice: A One-Pot Wonder.
In the kitchen, we say things are versatile if they can be used in many ways. If it's helpful to think about this recipe that way, then go ahead! And if you want to add your own personal touch, like using a different salsa, adding chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, drained canned corn, jalapenos, tortillas, or chips….go for it!
Oh, and did I tell you about the cheese? The whole Spanish Chicken Rice dish has an irresistible layer of melted, gooey cheese that covers the Spanish Chicken Rice and Cheese combo. It's a comforting dish with a little kick (but not too much!), and even though it's the first recipe in the first chapter, it has a special place in my heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice. This is the base of the dish. It absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- 1 cup of salsa. This is the heart of the dish. Use the type you like best. Chunky, smooth, spicy, mild. Or switch up and go for chicken with green salsa or “salsa verde”
- 2 cups of raw chicken, cut into pieces. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best in this southwestern chicken recipe.
- 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, drained and rinsed. They add protein and a nice southwestern flavor and texture.
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin. These spices are what make this dish so great. Full of robust southwestern flavor.
- 1 3/4 cups of chicken broth or stock. You need this to cook the rice.
- 1 cup of shredded cheese. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend. For that melty goodness.
- 2 or 3 green onions, sliced. For garnish and extra flavor.
Variation: Chicken Green Salsa or Salsa Verde
Let’s make things more interesting! If you like the fresh taste of salsa verde, you'll love using green salsa in this chicken recipe. When you switch from regular salsa to green chicken salsa, you'll make a really flavorful Mexican chicken rice cheese dish that's easy to cook.
For a refreshing change from the regular tomato salsa, try chicken salsa verde. It goes perfectly with the chicken and rice. To make this one-pot meal even better, you can add diced green chilies. This adds more flavor and looks gorgeous! This recipe is as easy as it seems. You won't need to stir much after you put the ingredients in.
Next time you're bored with the same old dinners, make a chicken green salsa rice bake with salsa verde. It's an awesome new dinner idea we tried last week!
This Mexican skillet recipe is a perfect example of versatility !
What to do with leftover mexican chicken rice cheese dish?
1. Taco Night
Shred the chicken, heat the tortillas, and pile on your favorite toppings. Taco Tuesday just got better.
2. Burrito Bowls
Put some chicken salsa on rice, then add beans, avocado, and a little sour cream. There you go—it's just like what you get at Chipotle.
3. Nacho Party
Arrange tortilla chips on a baking sheet, cover them with cheese, and add reheated chicken salsa on top. Bake until the cheese melts, then add jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole.
4. Soup Starter
To quickly make some southwest chicken soup, use a pot to mix your leftovers with: chicken broth, a can of diced tomatoes, and some veggies.
Customizing Your Chicken Rice One Pot Wonder!
If you want to add more veggies, go ahead! Bell peppers, chopped fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, black beans, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, drained canned corn, different types of beans and zucchini are all excellent additions. If you like it spicy, add some cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños. If you're vegetarian, just double the beans and skip the chicken.
A Chicken Salsa Dish That Does It All.
In the end, this relaxing dish has all the comforting things we want in a meal. It's easy to make and full of flavors that get even better if you let the dish sit for a while after cooking it and before serving.
One Skillet Southwest Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 cup salsa
- 1.5-2 cups precooked roasted chicken
- 1 15oz. can black beans, drained
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth or stock
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 2-3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- In a large skillet, combine the rice, salsa, chicken, black beans, chili powder, cumin, and chicken broth. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
- Place lid on the skillet (or carefully wrap tightly with tin foil). The steam will cook the rice. Heat on to med-high, and let the skillet come to a boil. When the skillet comes to a boil, turn the heat o low and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Watch to be sure it's simmering. If not, turn up the heat.
- After the 15 minutes is up, turn off the heat, and let it sit with the lid in on for another 5 more minutes. Then, remove the lid and fluff the mixture with a fork. All of the liquid should be absorbed and the rice should be tender. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over top, replace the lid, and let it sit for a few minutes or until the cheese is melted. Top with sliced green onions.
Notes
- Serve with sour cream and chips and salsa if desired.