One skillet Mexican chicken has become my go-to weeknight meal for so many reasons. I remember one particularly hectic Tuesday when I desperately needed a dinner that was both quick and delicious. This easy Mexican chicken skillet came to the rescue, filling my kitchen with the most incredible aromas of cumin and chili. The whole family devoured it, and I was thrilled that this one pan Mexican chicken masterpiece only required minimal cleanup. It’s truly a lifesaver for busy evenings, delivering vibrant flavors with hardly any fuss. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This One Skillet Mexican Chicken
This easy Mexican chicken skillet is a winner for so many reasons:
- Incredible Flavor: A vibrant blend of spices creates a delicious Mexican chicken skillet meal.
- Super Fast Prep: Minimal chopping means you can be cooking in just 10 minutes.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein and colorful vegetables.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples for an affordable dinner.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love this simple Mexican chicken skillet.
- Effortless Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pan, saving you time and hassle.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to your favorite vegetables or spice levels.
Ingredients for One Skillet Mexican Chicken
This Mexican chicken and rice skillet recipe is surprisingly simple, relying on pantry staples and fresh produce. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs) – patted dry for a better sear
- 1 cup long-grain white rice – this cooks perfectly in the broth
- 1 red bell pepper, diced – for sweetness and color
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced – adding another layer of visual appeal
- 1 medium onion, chopped – the base for our flavor
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that classic Mexican kick
- 2 tsp olive oil – for sautéing
- 1 tsp cumin – adds earthy warmth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – for a hint of smoky depth
- 1 tsp chili powder – adjust this to your preferred spice level
- 2 cups chicken broth – the liquid that cooks the rice and infuses it with flavor
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) – for a burst of freshness
How to Make One Skillet Mexican Chicken
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, prepare all your ingredients: dice the bell peppers and onion, mince the garlic, and pat the chicken breasts dry. This prep work makes the cooking process so much smoother.
- Step 2: Heat the 2 tsp olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, season your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp chili powder.
- Step 3: Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Sear them for about 5 minutes per side, until they’re nicely golden brown. This step builds a fantastic flavor base for our one pan Mexican chicken.
- Step 4: Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t worry about any browned bits stuck to the pan – that’s pure flavor!
- Step 5: Add the chopped onion and diced bell peppers to the same skillet. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and become fragrant.
- Step 6: Stir in the 1 cup long-grain white rice and the minced garlic. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and the rice is lightly toasted.
- Step 7: Pour in the 2 cups chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any flavorful browned bits. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil.
- Step 8: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them down into the rice and vegetable mixture. Ensure they are mostly submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
- Step 9: Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. This is where the magic of this one pan Mexican chicken really happens.
- Step 10: Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice gently with a fork. This simple technique ensures the rice is perfectly cooked and helps in creating a beautiful one pan Mexican chicken dinner. Garnish with fresh cilantro if you like, and serve immediately!
Pro Tips for the Best One Skillet Mexican Chicken
Want to elevate your one skillet Mexican chicken game? Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up:
- Don’t skip searing the chicken! Browning it first adds so much depth of flavor and a beautiful color to the finished dish.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth so you can control the saltiness yourself.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking before fluffing the rice. This allows the steam to redistribute, making the rice even more tender.
- For an even quicker meal, use pre-diced onions and peppers from the grocery store.
What’s the secret to perfect one skillet Mexican chicken?
The secret to a truly fantastic best Mexican chicken skillet recipe is building layers of flavor. Searing the chicken, sautéing the aromatics until fragrant, and using a good quality broth all contribute to that rich, authentic taste. It’s simple but makes a huge difference! For more tips on building flavor, check out this guide on flavor building.
Can I make this Mexican chicken skillet ahead of time?
You can definitely prep the ingredients ahead of time! Chop your veggies and measure out your spices up to a day in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This makes assembling your Mexican chicken skillet dinner on a busy night even faster. Learn more about effective meal prepping.
How do I avoid common mistakes with skillet Mexican chicken dinner?
A couple of common pitfalls are overcrowding the pan when searing chicken, which leads to steaming instead of browning, and not letting the dish cook long enough, resulting in undercooked rice. Make sure your skillet is large enough and cover it tightly to allow the rice to steam properly.
Best Ways to Serve One Skillet Mexican Chicken
This versatile one skillet Mexican chicken is fantastic on its own, but I love serving it with a few complementary sides to really bring out those delicious chicken skillet with Mexican flavors. For a classic presentation, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and some fresh pico de gallo are always winners. You could also serve it alongside a simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette for a fresh contrast. For a heartier meal, consider some warm corn tortillas for scooping up every last bite. It’s truly a complete and satisfying dinner!
Nutrition Facts for One Skillet Mexican Chicken
Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown for our delicious one skillet Mexican chicken, per serving:
- Calories: 390
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For more information on understanding nutrition labels, you can refer to resources like the FDA’s guide.
How to Store and Reheat One Skillet Mexican Chicken
Leftovers of this fantastic one skillet Mexican chicken are just as delicious as the first time, and storing them properly makes this an even more convenient meal. Once your easy one skillet chicken dinner has cooled down to room temperature, transfer any remaining portions into airtight containers. For the best quality, consume refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days. If you have a larger batch or want to save some for a future craving, this dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the rice and keep it moist. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions About One Skillet Mexican Chicken
What are the best vegetables to add to this one skillet Mexican chicken?
You can customize this recipe with your favorite veggies! I often add a can of drained corn or black beans along with the rice for extra texture and flavor. Peas or chopped zucchini also work wonderfully in this one pan Mexican chicken.
How do I ensure the chicken is fully cooked and the rice isn’t mushy?
To make sure you know how to make one skillet Mexican chicken perfectly, always start by searing the chicken properly. Then, ensure your skillet is covered tightly during the simmer. If the rice is still a bit firm after 20 minutes, just add a tablespoon or two of broth, re-cover, and cook for a few more minutes. If it seems too wet, remove the lid for the last few minutes of cooking to let excess moisture evaporate.
Can I use a different type of rice?
While long-grain white rice is ideal for its quick cooking time and fluffy texture, you can experiment with other rice varieties. Brown rice or wild rice will require a longer cooking time and potentially more liquid. If using brown rice, I’d suggest adding an extra 1/2 cup of broth and cooking for about 40-45 minutes, or until tender. For more on cooking different types of rice, see this guide to rice.
Is this recipe spicy? How can I adjust the heat?
The recipe as written has a mild warmth from the chili powder. To make it a truly spicy Mexican chicken skillet, increase the chili powder to 1.5 or 2 teaspoons, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely diced jalapeño with the onions and peppers. If you prefer it milder, simply reduce or omit the chili powder.
Variations of One Skillet Mexican Chicken You Can Try
This one skillet Mexican chicken is incredibly versatile, and I love experimenting with different twists! If you’re craving something with a bit more heat, try making a spicy Mexican chicken skillet by adding a diced jalapeño with the onions and peppers, or increasing the chili powder. For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for firm tofu or black beans and use vegetable broth. You could also try a different cooking method, like finishing it under the broiler for a few minutes to get a lovely crispy topping. Another favorite is adding a can of drained corn or black beans into the rice mixture for extra texture and a heartier meal. Each variation brings a new delicious dimension to this simple dish! Explore more chicken recipes here.
Print
Perfect One Skillet Mexican Chicken: 5 Stars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy one-skillet Mexican chicken and rice recipe brings vibrant Mexican flavors to your table with minimal effort. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, colorful vegetables, and a zesty spice blend are all cooked together in one pan for a delicious and convenient meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by dicing the bell peppers and onion and mincing the garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Sauté until golden brown on both sides (about 5 minutes per side).
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onion and bell peppers. Sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in long-grain white rice and minced garlic until combined.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir.
- Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice mixture.
- Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer for about 20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Fluff with a fork before garnishing with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- This recipe is highly customizable; feel free to add other vegetables like corn or black beans.
- Adjust chili powder to your preferred spice level.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat with a splash of broth to keep the rice moist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
