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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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