Craving a delicious, hassle-free meal that'll transport your taste buds straight to Mexico? Look no further! This One-Pot Mexican Chicken recipe is about to become your new weeknight superhero. Imagine a single skillet packed with tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a symphony of vibrant flavors that'll make your dinner table come alive. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or a flavor enthusiast, this recipe promises maximum taste with minimal cleanup – it's practically magic on a plate!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup rice
- 1 can black beans
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup corn
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes and measuring out all other ingredients precisely.
- Select a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid for one-pot cooking.
- Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add diced chicken, cooking until exterior turns white and slightly golden, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Sprinkle cumin over the chicken and stir to distribute the spice evenly, allowing it to toast and release its aromatic flavors.
- Add uncooked rice directly to the skillet, stirring to combine with chicken and allow rice to lightly toast.
- Pour in black beans (drained and rinsed), corn, and salsa, stirring to create an even mixture.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 18-20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Once cooking is complete, remove lid and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, allowing it to melt from the residual heat.
- Let the dish rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and cheese to fully melt.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or additional salsa if desired.
Tips
- Ingredient Prep is Key: Dice your chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Toasting Matters: Take a moment to toast the cumin and rice – this simple step intensifies the flavor profile dramatically.
- Liquid Ratio is Crucial: Ensure you have just enough liquid (salsa and beans) to cook the rice without making the dish soggy.
- Low and Slow Finishing: Keep the heat low when simmering to prevent burning and allow rice to cook evenly.
- Cheese Melting Hack: Let the residual heat melt the cheese for a perfectly creamy finish without overcooking.
- Resting Time is Important: Those 3-5 minutes of resting allow flavors to meld and make serving easier.
- Customize Your Toppings: Fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or extra salsa can elevate this dish from great to extraordinary!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg
