Looking for a quick, flavorful, and easy dinner to spice up your weeknights? This One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice recipe is your answer! Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish combines the comforting flavors of Mexican cuisine with the convenience of a one-pan meal. Forget about endless dishes and complicated recipes – this is weeknight dinner perfection.
One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice – an easy dinner ready in under 30 minutes! #mexican #chicken #dinner #onepan #easy #rice #skillet
Perfect for busy families or anyone craving a delicious Mexican Dinner without the fuss, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Inspired by classic Mexican flavors, this dish is packed with enchilada sauce, green chiles, and aromatic spices, all cooked together with chicken and rice in a single pan. The result? Tender, flavorful chicken and perfectly cooked rice infused with a zesty Mexican flair.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Mexican Dinner
This isn’t just another chicken and rice recipe. This One-Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice stands out for several reasons:
- Effortless One-Pan Cooking: Say goodbye to mountains of dishes! Everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. This is a game-changer for busy weeknights.
- Ready in Under 30 Minutes: From prep to plate, this mexican dinner is incredibly fast. Perfect for those evenings when time is short but you still want a home-cooked meal.
- Packed with Flavor: Enchilada sauce and green chiles create a rich, savory base, while cumin adds a warm, earthy depth. Every bite is bursting with authentic Mexican taste.
- Customizable Spice Level: Control the heat by choosing your enchilada sauce and diced tomatoes. For a milder dish, opt for mild enchilada sauce and diced tomatoes with mild green chilies. For extra spice, use hot enchilada sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Versatile and Family-Friendly: This dish is easily adaptable to suit different tastes. Add your favorite toppings like avocado, sour cream, cilantro, or pico de gallo to personalize each serving. Kids and adults alike will love the delicious flavors and textures.
One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice – an easy dinner ready in under 30 minutes! #mexican #chicken #dinner #onepan #easy #rice #skillet
Ingredients for Your One-Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice
Before you start cooking this amazing mexican dinner, gather these simple ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ white onion, diced finely
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (such as Rotel)
- 1 cup water
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican-blend cheese
- Optional Toppings: sour cream, diced tomatoes, diced avocado, cilantro, pico de gallo
One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice – an easy dinner ready in under 30 minutes! the-girl-who-ate-everything.com
How to Make One-Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice: Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious one-pan mexican dinner:
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large (12-inch) skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Brown the Chicken: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and brown on all sides. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Sauté Rice: Push the chicken to one side of the pan and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the other side. Add the uncooked rice and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice is lightly toasted. This step enhances the flavor of the rice.
- Simmer Everything Together: Pour in the enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained), water, and cumin. Stir well to combine all ingredients, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cook and Steam: Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. If the rice is not fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed, you can add a little more water (1/4 cup at a time) and continue to simmer until rice is tender.
- Melt the Cheese: Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and rice mixture. Cover the pan again and let it sit for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice – an easy dinner ready in under 30 minutes! the-girl-who-ate-everything.com
Serving Your Mexican Dinner
This One-Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice is a complete meal on its own, but it’s even better with your favorite toppings! Consider these delicious additions to elevate your mexican dinner:
- Fresh Toppings: Diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, pico de gallo.
- Creamy Toppings: Sour cream, Mexican crema, or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.
- Spicy Kick: Diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or your favorite hot sauce.
- Sides (Optional): While this is a hearty one-pan meal, you can serve it with a side of black beans, refried beans, or a simple side salad for a more complete mexican dinner spread.
One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice – an easy dinner ready in under 30 minutes! the-girl-who-ate-everything.com
Make Ahead and Leftover Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the ingredients in advance. Dice the onion, chicken, and mince the garlic ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. This will save you time during weeknight cooking.
- Leftovers: Leftover One-Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to rehydrate the rice.
One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice – an easy dinner ready in under 30 minutes! the-girl-who-ate-everything.com
Enjoy this incredibly easy and flavorful One-Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice for your next weeknight mexican dinner! It’s a guaranteed hit with the whole family and will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.
