This Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice dish is bursting with flavor, featuring a perfect blend of spices, tender chicken, and fluffy rice. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal for any night of the week.
What makes this dish special is its versatility—you can add more heat with extra chili powder or even incorporate vegetables like corn or black beans. If you’re looking for a cheesy twist, a sprinkle of cheddar or Monterey Jack takes this skillet meal to the next level. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or preparing a meal prep for the week, this Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice is the go-to option for a quick, flavorful dinner.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb chicken breast, cubed
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 bell pepper, chopped
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1 cup long-grain white rice
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2 cups chicken broth
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1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
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1 tablespoon taco seasoning
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1 teaspoon cumin
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
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1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
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Stir in the rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
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Cover the skillet and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
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Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Let the mixture cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Chicken Thighs are the Best Choice for This Dish
While you can technically use any chicken part in this dish, chicken thighs are the ideal choice for this recipe. They are more flavorful and juicy than chicken breasts, and they hold up better when cooked with rice. The fat content in chicken thighs helps keep the meat tender and moist, which is key for a comforting, flavorful meal. If you prefer, you can substitute the chicken with sausage or even pork for a different twist, but chicken thighs truly deliver the best results in terms of taste and texture.
Rice: The Perfect Base for Tex-Mex Flavors
The rice in this dish is crucial, as it soaks up all the delicious spices, chicken juices, and broth. Long-grain rice such as Jasmine or Basmati rice works best, as it creates a light, fluffy texture. Using medium or short grain rice might result in a more clumpy dish, which may not be as desirable for this recipe. Avoid using wild rice or brown rice, as their liquid-to-rice ratios are different, which could throw off the cooking process.
Building Layers of Flavor: The Role of Vegetables and Spices
Onions, garlic, and bell peppers form the flavorful base for this dish. These vegetables are sautéed until soft, adding a savory depth to the overall flavor. The Tex-Mex seasoning, combined with chili powder, cumin, and the natural sweetness of the bell peppers, enhances the dish with bold and aromatic flavors. A can of fire-roasted tomatoes adds a smoky note, while black beans and corn contribute to both the texture and the heartiness of the dish. This combination of spices and vegetables makes Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice a well-balanced and delicious meal that’s not just quick to prepare but also packed with nutrition.
Chicken Broth: A Key Ingredient for Flavorful Rice
Using chicken broth is essential for adding richness and depth to the rice. Opting for a low-sodium chicken broth is a great choice, as it ensures you control the salt content of the dish. Vegetable broth can also be used if you prefer a vegetarian version of the dish. The broth infuses the rice with flavor as it cooks, ensuring that every bite is savory and satisfying.
Cheese: The Finishing Touch
While cheese is technically optional, adding shredded Monterey Jack cheese to the dish really takes it to the next level. The cheese melts beautifully over the rice, adding a creamy texture and a mild, melty flavor. You can experiment with other cheeses, such as cheddar, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend, to create your desired level of cheesiness. The final sprinkle of cheese and a few minutes of resting time allows the cheese to melt perfectly into the rice, making it rich and indulgent.
Cilantro and Lime: The Perfect Garnish
After the dish is cooked, a generous garnish of fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness that balances out the richness of the chicken and cheese. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley can be used as a substitute. Squeezing fresh lime juice over the dish just before serving brightens up the flavors, giving the Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice a zesty kick. The combination of these garnishes adds a final layer of complexity and freshness to this already amazing dish.
How to Serve Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice
Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice is hearty enough to be a stand-alone meal, but you can also pair it with a side salad or tortilla chips for added texture. If you have any leftovers, this dish can be repurposed into wraps or burritos for a quick and delicious lunch. Simply wrap the leftovers in a tortilla, add some fresh toppings like sour cream or salsa, and you’ve got a fantastic meal ready to go.
Make-Ahead Tips and Leftovers
This dish is perfect for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors only get better as they sit and meld together. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months, but keep in mind that the texture of the rice may change slightly after freezing and reheating.
If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t let them go to waste. You can turn this dish into a delicious wrap or burrito by wrapping the Tex-Mex chicken and rice in a tortilla and adding your favorite toppings. This transforms the dish into a quick, portable lunch option.
Health Benefits of Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice
This Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice dish is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients. The chicken provides a lean source of protein, while the rice offers a healthy serving of carbohydrates to fuel your day. The vegetables, beans, and corn add fiber and essential vitamins, making this a well-rounded, balanced meal. Additionally, the dish is versatile and can easily be adjusted to suit various dietary preferences. For example, you can switch up the protein, use low-fat cheese, or even skip the cheese altogether for a lighter version.
Conclusion: A Flavorful, Quick, and Satisfying Meal
Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice is the ultimate one-pot meal that offers convenience, flavor, and versatility. It’s the perfect dish for busy nights when you want something quick but packed with flavor. Whether you enjoy it as is or make a few tweaks to suit your preferences, this meal is sure to be a hit with your family. It’s easy to make, customizable, and full of Tex-Mex goodness.
So, if you’re craving a comforting, savory meal that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor, give Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice a try. With its tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and aromatic spices, this dish will become a family favorite in no time.