Fiesta Chicken and Rice Recipe

This Mexican Fiesta Chicken and Rice recipe is a one-skillet wonder! It’s easy to prepare and is perfect for weeknights when you want an all-in-one dinner. 

Mexican Chicken and Rice Recipe

I love one skillet wonders, as I like to call them. One skillet but an entire meal — meat, grain and veggies get made in it. Cleanup is a breeze and it actually looks killer too, don’t you think? 

To make things even better, this is an Our Sweet Basil Kitchen Cookbook recipe!! One of the exclusive recipes from our first cookbook is one of our favorites, so make sure you snag a cookbook!!!

I think you guys will really love this Mexican chicken with rice. It takes about an hour to make, but most of that time is spent waiting for the rice to cook. Just add the ingredients to a skillet, pop the lid on, and walk away! 

What’s Needed for Fiesta Chicken and Rice? 

The ingredients list below may look lengthy, but that’s because the Mexican chicken seasoning contains quite a few spices. Here’s everything you’ll need to make the Mexican chicken with rice: 

• Spices 
• Chicken breasts 
• Cornstarch
• Canola oil
• Brown rice
• Chicken broth
• Water
• Lime juice
• Diced green chiles
• Tomatoes 
• Corn 
• Black beans
• Shredded Mexican cheese blend
• Avocado
• Cilantro 

How to Make Fiesta Chicken and Rice 

1. Make the seasoning blend: Start out by making a seasoning blend similar to taco or fajita packets you buy in the store. 
2. Season and cook the chicken: You’ll start by dredging the chicken in a cornstarch and seasoning mixture. This will help the chicken to be well seasoned as the cornstarch helps to thicken the juices as the chicken cooks and keeps the seasoning on the meat. Now remove the chicken to a plate with a little foil resting over it.
3. Cook the rice: You’re going to have browned bits left in your pan, but that’s ok, those browned bits are going to help flavor the rest of the dish. Throw a little oil in the pan and cook your rice. Cade taught me that the Brazilians do this a lot and it really does make a more flavorful rice. You’ll just cook it for a minute or two and then dump in your broth and water, lime juice, salt and diced green chilis and the remaining seasoning. Let it come to a boil and then turn to simmer and cover with a lid to cook the rice.
4. Add the remaining ingredients: After it’s all cooked get your chicken back in there along with cheese, tomatoes, beans, and corn. Make sure you season more if needed!
5. Serve: Throw a little cool and creamy avocado on top and you’re all set! We like to serve warm tortillas with it but that’s completely unnecessary, this fiesta chicken and rice dish is great on its own.

How to Store Mexican Chicken and Rice

Store leftover fiesta chicken and rice in the fridge for up to three days. 

Tips for Making Fiesta Chicken and Rice 

Spice levels: Our oldest tends to think this fiesta chicken and rice skillet is a bit spicy, but the rest of us don’t so you’ll have to adjust according to your own tastes. And I’m a wimp when it comes to heat so clearly it’s not that bad.

Rice: We like brown rice, but you can use white if you prefer. White rice only takes 20-30 minutes compared to the 45 for the brown, so just adjust as needed.

Seasoning blend: I like to make a whole bunch of it at once and store it in an airtight jar for up to 3 months. Maybe it would go longer, but to be honest I’ve never had enough left to see.

More Chicken and Rice Recipes:  

• Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Lemon Rice
• Crockpot Chicken and Rice
• Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
• Honey Mustard Chicken and Veggie Rice Bowls
• Ranch Chicken and Rice Casserole 
• Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole 
• Cheesy Broccoli, Chicken, and Rice Casserole 
• Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole 

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