One Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice Recipe

This One Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you need something delicious without the fuss. Packed with vibrant flavors, tender chicken, and hearty rice, it brings the fiesta to your dinner table with minimal cleanup. The beautiful blend of spices, melty cheese, and versatile serving options makes this a family-favorite that you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken: The star protein that absorbs all the wonderful Mexican flavors while staying tender and juicy.
• Olive oil: Just enough to cook the chicken and vegetables without sticking to the pan.
• Green onions: Adds a mild, sweet onion flavor that’s more delicate than regular onions.
• Red bell pepper: Brings sweetness, crunch, and a gorgeous pop of color to the dish.
• Diced tomatoes: Creates a rich base for the sauce while adding acidity and depth.
• Black beans: Provides plant-based protein and fiber, making the dish more filling and nutritious.
• Green chiles: Adds authentic Mexican flavor with a gentle heat that doesn’t overwhelm.
• Jasmine rice: Absorbs all the amazing flavors while cooking to fluffy perfection right in the same pot.
• Taco seasoning: The perfect blend of spices that instantly transforms the dish into a Mexican fiesta.
• Enchilada sauce: Adds moisture for cooking the rice while infusing everything with rich, authentic flavor.
• Shredded cheese: Creates that irresistible melty, gooey texture that brings everything together.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the flavors.

Variations

Want to customize this versatile dish? Here are some fantastic options:

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and double the beans, or add corn for extra texture and sweetness.
• Heat Level Adjustments: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for spice lovers, or reduce the green chiles for a milder dish.
• Grain Swaps: Try brown rice for added nutrition (note: this will require extra cooking time and possibly more liquid).
• Protein Options: Substitute ground beef, turkey, or chorizo for different flavor profiles.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in corn, zucchini, or spinach for additional color, texture, and nutrients.

How to Make One Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Cook the Chicken and Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until no longer pink, seasoning with salt and pepper. Add the bell pepper and green onions, cooking for 3 more minutes until they start to soften.

Step 2: Add the Flavor Base

Stir in the diced tomatoes, drained black beans, green chiles, jasmine rice, taco seasoning, and enchilada sauce. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the rice is coated with liquid and the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent sticking. The rice should absorb most of the liquid and become tender.

Step 4: Cheese Time

When the rice is cooked through, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly across the top, then cover again and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts into gooey perfection.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Top with your favorite garnishes like fresh cilantro, green onions, sour cream, diced avocado, or sliced olives before serving.

How to Serve

This versatile dish can be enjoyed in multiple ways:

As a Bowl

Serve it straight up in a bowl topped with your favorite garnishes – sour cream, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime create a perfect flavor profile.

Wrapped Up

Spoon the mixture into warm flour tortillas for quick and easy burritos, or use it as a filling for enchiladas.

With Dippers

Serve alongside tortilla chips for scooping, or spoon over a bed of crisp lettuce for a taco salad approach.

Complete the Meal

Pair with a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette, Mexican street corn, or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop and get even better the next day!

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! For a clever twist, use the leftovers as enchilada filling: wrap portions in tortillas, arrange in a baking dish, top with enchilada sauce and cheese, then freeze. Cover tightly with foil and label with cooking instructions.

Reheating

For refrigerated leftovers, microwave with a splash of water to revive the rice, or reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat. For frozen enchiladas, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes covered, followed by 10-15 minutes uncovered until bubbly and heated through.

FAQs

Can I use different rice varieties in this recipe?
Absolutely! Long-grain white rice works well with the same cooking time. Brown rice will work too but requires about 10-15 minutes of additional cooking time and approximately ¼ cup more liquid. Instant rice isn’t recommended as it will become mushy.

My rice didn’t cook completely. What went wrong?
Rice cooking can be affected by several factors. Make sure your heat wasn’t too high, which can evaporate liquid before the rice absorbs it. Also check that your lid created a good seal. If rice is still firm after the specified cooking time, add ¼ cup more liquid, cover, and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Can I make this dish ahead for a party?
Yes! This is perfect for make-ahead entertaining. Prepare the entire dish up to the point of adding cheese. Cool, refrigerate, and when ready to serve, reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water, then add the cheese and garnishes just before serving.

How spicy is this dish, and how can I adjust the heat level?
As written, this recipe is mildly spicy – flavorful without overwhelming heat. To make it milder, use only half the can of green chiles and mild taco seasoning. For extra kick, add diced jalapeños, a diced chipotle in adobo, or a dash of hot sauce to taste.

This One Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice recipe brings together the best of comfort food with vibrant Mexican flavors in a fuss-free package. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the days ahead, this versatile dish delivers satisfaction in every bite. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly seasoned rice, hearty beans, and melty cheese creates a meal that feels both exciting and comforting. Give your dinner routine a flavorful upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe that proves delicious doesn’t have to mean difficult!

Print