Sizzling One-Pan Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet Recipe

Crafting a delectable one-pan chicken and rice taco skillet can turn an ordinary weeknight into a flavor-packed adventure.

Spices dance across tender chicken and fluffy rice, creating a meal that feels like a celebration.

Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying conversations around the table.

Every bite brings a burst of southwestern excitement to your plate.

Quick ingredients come together seamlessly in a single skillet, making dinner prep a breeze.

Home cooks will appreciate how effortlessly this dish comes together with pantry staples.

Hungry for a meal that combines comfort and zest?

Dive right in and make this recipe your new dinner hero.

One-Pan Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet for Easy Nights

• Enjoy a hassle-free meal that comes together in one skillet, saving you time on cooking and cleanup.
• Taco seasoning and fresh ingredients create a zesty, mouthwatering dish that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Easily customize with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, or extra cheese to suit every family member's taste.
• Combine protein-rich chicken, colorful vegetables, and wholesome rice for a balanced dinner that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition.

Ingredients in One-Pan Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet

• Chicken: A lean and versatile protein that forms the core of this delicious one-pan meal.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Provide a sweet and colorful base that adds depth and texture to the skillet.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Taco Seasoning: A spice blend that brings classic Mexican-inspired flavors to the chicken and rice.
• Chicken Broth: Helps cook the rice and infuses additional savory taste into the dish.
• Olive Oil: Ensures smooth cooking and helps prevent sticking in the skillet.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.

• Shredded Cheese: Adds a creamy and rich finish to the skillet.
• Fresh Cilantro: Provides a bright, fresh herb garnish.
• Lime Wedges: Offers a zesty citrus accent to brighten the entire dish.

Steps to Cook Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Warm up a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat.

Toss in diced chicken and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Transfer the chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Saute Colorful Vegetables

In the same skillet, drop in chopped onions and bell peppers.

Let them dance around for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and slightly translucent.

Quickly add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with a delicious aroma.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Base

Pour in uncooked rice, taco seasoning, and chicken broth.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat.

Cover the skillet and let it simmer quietly for 15-20 minutes.

The rice will become tender and soak up all the wonderful flavors.

Step 4: Create the Final Masterpiece

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently mix everything together.

Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and cover for 2-3 minutes to create a melty, gooey layer.

Before serving, scatter fresh cilantro over the dish and add a squeeze of lime for a bright, zesty finish.

Tips for a Great Taco Skillet Dinner

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior and better flavor absorption.
• Stir rice occasionally during cooking and use a non-stick skillet to avoid burning and uneven cooking.
• Adjust taco seasoning intensity by using mild, medium, or hot varieties to match personal heat preference.
• Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa to increase fiber and nutritional value without compromising taste.
• Double the recipe and store leftovers in airtight containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Store and Reheat Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains safe to consume.
• Transfer the cooled skillet meal to a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little broth or water to restore moisture. Stir gently until heated through, which typically takes 4-5 minutes.

What Goes Well with Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet

• Zesty Margarita Pairing: Complement the taco skillet's bold flavors with a classic margarita featuring fresh lime juice and tequila, enhancing the dish's Mexican-inspired profile.
• Crisp Slaw Side: Prepare a tangy cabbage slaw with lime, cilantro, and a touch of jalapeño to add refreshing crunch and balance the skillet's rich, warm elements.
• Cool Avocado Cream: Whip up a quick avocado crema with sour cream, cilantro, and lime zest to provide a smooth, cooling counterpoint to the spicy and savory skillet.
• Mexican Beer Accompaniment: Select a light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial to cut through the dish's richness and provide a crisp, clean palate refresher.

Ways to Customize Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet

• Vegetarian Rice Skillet: Replace chicken with black beans or plant-based protein crumbles. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete vegetarian meal.
• Cauliflower Rice Version: Swap traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Maintain the same seasoning and cooking method for a lighter dish.
• Spicy Southwest Adaptation: Add diced jalapeños or green chiles to increase heat. Include additional spices like smoked paprika or chipotle powder for deeper flavor complexity.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure taco seasoning is certified gluten-free. Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and verify all ingredients meet gluten-free requirements.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking liquid and time. Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time, usually around 40-45 minutes, to become tender.

• What if I don't have taco seasoning?

You can make your own by mixing chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. This allows you to control the spice level and flavor profile of your dish.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free if you use a gluten-free taco seasoning and ensure your chicken broth is also gluten-free. Always check the labels of your ingredients to confirm.

• Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños during the vegetable sautéing stage, use a spicy taco seasoning, or include a dash of hot sauce when cooking to increase the heat level.

One-Pan Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Mexican-inspired One-Pan Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet brings fiesta flavors to your dinner table with minimal cleanup. Juicy chicken, zesty spices, and perfectly seasoned rice combine for a quick, satisfying meal packed with authentic southwestern charm.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
• Lime wedges, for garnish (optional)
• Chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large skillet over medium heat, warming olive oil to sizzle. Introduce diced chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper, and sear for 5-7 minutes until golden and thoroughly cooked. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate.
2. In the same skillet, introduce chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften and become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook briefly, releasing aromatic flavors.
3. Incorporate uncooked rice, taco seasoning, and chicken broth into the vegetable mixture. Elevate heat to trigger boiling, then immediately reduce to low. Cover the skillet and allow gentle simmering for 15-20 minutes, ensuring rice absorbs liquid and becomes tender.
4. Reintegrate the previously cooked chicken into the rice mixture, gently folding to distribute evenly. Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheese across the surface, covering the skillet to encourage melting for 2-3 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side, offering a bright, citrusy complement to the rich, savory skillet.

Notes

• Choose a heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning, especially when cooking rice.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve better browning and enhance flavor development.
• Customize taco seasoning intensity by adjusting store-bought or homemade blend according to personal spice preference.
• Transform dish into vegetarian version by substituting chicken with black beans or plant-based protein alternatives like tofu or tempeh.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg