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One pan chicken and Mexican rice topped with cheese, cilantro, and avocado, served in a colorful dish.
Alyssa

One Pan Chicken and Mexican Rice

So delicious, this Mexican rice chicken and cheese dish features smoky chipotle peppers, salsa, and juicy, tender chicken. It’s a total family-friendly weeknight dinner that everyone will love!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 490

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons neutral oil (divided)
  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1.5 cups long-grain white rice (rinsed)
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 3 to 4 cups chicken broth (divided)
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (whole)
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the can of chipotle peppers)
  • 1 cup salsa of choice
  • 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sliced avocado
  • Sliced green onions
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Sour cream

Method
 

  1. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper on all sides.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon neutral oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and brown on both sides until golden, about 2-3 minutes per side. Chicken does not need to be cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Add remaining 2 tablespoons neutral oil to same skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add 1½ cups rinsed long-grain white rice to skillet. Toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
  5. Stir in 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, coating rice and onion mixture evenly.
  6. Pour in 3 cups chicken broth, 1 cup salsa, 2 whole chipotle peppers, and 1 tablespoon adobo sauce. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
  7. Return browned chicken to skillet. Cover tightly and reduce heat to low. Simmer 20-25 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed and chicken reaches 165°F internally. If liquid absorbs before rice is cooked, add additional chicken broth ¼ cup at a time.
  8. Stir in 1 cup corn. Let heat through, about 2 minutes.
  9. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese over top. Cover with lid and let sit 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted.
  10. Top with desired toppings and serve directly from skillet.

Notes

Serve with fresh cilantro, avocado, green onions, jalapeños, and sour cream for a delicious finish.