If you’re craving a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and made all in one pan, this Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender chicken, zesty tomatoes with green chiles, creamy black beans, and sweet corn all simmering together with perfectly cooked rice, then topped with a gooey Mexican cheese blend that melts just right. It’s like all your favorite burrito fillings got cozy in a skillet, handing you an easy dinner that’s packed with bold flavors and comforting textures. Whether you’re feeding the family or just want a simple but satisfying meal, this recipe brings everything you love about burritos without the fuss of wrapping or mess.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For a dish this comforting, the ingredients are wonderfully simple yet each plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this recipe truly irresistible.
- Long grain white rice: This forms the fluffy, tender base that soaks up all the delicious juices perfectly.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth to the rice as it cooks, enhancing every bite.
- Diced tomatoes with green chiles: Bring a vibrant, mildly spicy kick and a pop of color.
- Chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces to cook quickly and stay tender throughout.
- Black beans: Provide creamy texture and protein, boosting heartiness.
- Frozen sweet corn: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spices beautifully.
- Homemade taco seasoning: A perfect blend of spices that infuses the dish with classic southwestern flavor.
- Mexican cheese blend: Melted on top to bring irresistible creaminess and stringy, cheesy goodness.
- Optional toppings: Fresh chopped cilantro, green onions, and diced avocado for brightness and freshness.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by combining the long grain white rice, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained) in a large nonstick skillet. Bring this vibrant mixture to a boil over high heat—this is where the rice will absorb all that great flavor as it cooks.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Veggies
Once boiling, stir in the bite-sized chicken pieces, drained black beans, frozen sweet corn, and your homemade taco seasoning. Give everything a good mix so the seasoning coats the chicken and beans evenly—that’s where the magic flavor starts.
Step 3: Simmer Covered
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let everything simmer gently for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent sticking and make sure the rice cooks evenly and the chicken cooks through.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
After the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in half of the shredded Mexican cheese blend, spreading it evenly for creamy pockets. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover again, and let it sit for 5 minutes to melt that cheese to cheesy perfection.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Add some fresh brightness by sprinkling chopped cilantro and green onions over the top. Adding diced avocado not only enhances the color but also adds a creamy, cooling contrast that complements the spices perfectly.
Side Dishes
This skillet is satisfying on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a side of crunchy tortilla chips. For an extra touch, a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lime can elevate every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests or just shake things up, serve the skillet right from the pan for a casual family-style meal. Or, scoop portions into warm flour tortillas to create quick, handheld burritos that are perfect for on-the-go lunches or casual dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind the texture of the rice and beans might change slightly but the cheesy goodness will remain inviting.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a covered skillet on low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to redistribute the cheese and prevent drying out. Add a splash of chicken broth if it feels a bit dry for that fresh, moist texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs would add a bit more richness and stay juicy, just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces to cook evenly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken, or replace it with extra beans or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can, but brown rice will take longer to cook and absorb liquid differently, so you’ll need to adjust cooking time and possibly add more broth.
How spicy is this Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe?
The dish has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the diced tomatoes with green chiles and taco seasoning, but you can easily customize the spice by adjusting the seasoning or adding jalapeños if you like more kick.
What cheese alternatives work if I don’t have a Mexican cheese blend?
Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar can work perfectly to add the melty, cheesy quality that this recipe calls for.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a busy evening. It’s simple to prepare, bursting with flavors you’ll crave again and again, and versatile enough to suit whatever ingredients you have on hand. Dive in, savor every cheesy bite, and enjoy the ease of all-in-one skillet cooking with a recipe that quickly becomes a beloved favorite.
Print
Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Skillet Meal
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Description
A flavorful and comforting Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet combining tender chicken, black beans, corn, and seasoned rice all melted together with gooey Mexican cheese. This one-pan meal is easy to prepare, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, and serves 6 with optional fresh toppings for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
- 2 small chicken breasts (12–14 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen sweet corn
- 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning (or store-bought)
- 8 oz Mexican cheese blend, divided
Optional Toppings
- Chopped cilantro
- Chopped green onions
- Diced avocado
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a large nonstick skillet, combine the white rice, chicken broth, and the diced tomatoes with green chiles, including their juices. This creates a flavorful base for the dish.
- Bring to Boil: Place the skillet over high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, ensuring the rice starts absorbing the liquid.
- Add Chicken & Veggies: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, drained black beans, frozen sweet corn, and taco seasoning to the skillet. Stir well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
- Melt the Cheese: Once the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in half of the shredded Mexican cheese blend until it begins to melt.
- Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 5 minutes off the heat to allow the cheese to fully melt and create a gooey, delicious topping.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy chicken burrito skillet hot, garnished with optional toppings such as chopped cilantro, green onions, or diced avocado to add freshness and enhance the flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot diced tomatoes with green chiles or changing the amount of taco seasoning.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, rinse the canned diced tomatoes to reduce the spiciness.
- Make sure to stir halfway through simmering to prevent rice from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
