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Bowl of southwest chicken and rice topped with lime wedges, ready to eat.

Cheesy Mexican Chicken and Rice

If you are looking to make a whole meal in one skillet, this cheesy Mexican chicken and rice is for you. It has great southwestern flavors. It is fabulous on its own, as a filling for burritos, or even served over a pile of greens. This is going to become a new favorite dinner for your family.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Author: Carlee

Ingredients

  • 4 Tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 2 pounds chicken breast cubed
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 yellow Bell Pepper diced
  • 1 green Bell Pepper diced
  • 1 jalapeno chopped
  • 1 small red onion diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 16 oz salsa
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup white rice uncooked and rinsed
  • 6 oz canned corn drained
  • 6 oz canned black beans rinsed and drained
  • 2 Tablespoons lime juice
  • 1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese
  • ¼ cup cilantro chopped

Instructions

  • Mix all the spices together in a bowl.
  • Place a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat add 2 tablespoons of oil. 
  • Once the oil is hot, add the chicken, and sprinkle with ½ of the seasoning mixture. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
  • Add remaining 2 Tablespoons of oil to the pan, and add the diced peppers and onion. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until just softened.
    Colorful diced peppers and onions in skillet, starting to cook.
  • Add the garlic and cook for another 20 seconds.
  • Next, add salsa, chicken broth, rice, and the remaining spice mixture, stir to combine. Bring mixture to a boil then cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10-15 minutes. 
    Adding rice to veggies in skillet.
  • Once all the liquid is absorbed and rice is cooked through, remove from heat. Stir in the chicken, corn, beans, and lime juice. 
    Adding beans, cheese and chicken to skillet mixture.
  • Top with cheese, cover with a lid and let the cheese melt.
  • Add cilantro and serve.

Notes

This is great served with additional lime wedges, cheese or a dollop of sour cream.
You can use taco seasoning in place of the individual spices. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 828kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 69g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 172mg | Sodium: 2383mg | Potassium: 1718mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 2351IU | Vitamin C: 133mg | Calcium: 591mg | Iron: 4mg
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