If you’re looking for a vibrant, satisfying meal that comes together in one pan with minimal fuss but maximum flavor, this One-Pan Mexican Chicken & Rice Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender, seasoned chicken pieces simmered alongside creamy, zesty rice infused with salsa, queso, and just the right kick from diced tomatoes and green chilies. This dish is a fiesta of textures and tastes all cooked together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings when you want something hearty and comforting without loading your kitchen with dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the spicy taco seasoning seasoning the chicken to the creamy queso dip melting into the rice, each element brings essential flavor, texture, or color that transforms this dish into a delicious, cohesive meal.
- 1½ lb boneless skinless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces: Tender protein that soaks up seasoning beautifully.
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning: Adds that familiar Mexican spice blend that defines the dish.
- 1 Tbsp oil: For perfectly browning the chicken and sautéing the rice mixture.
- 2 cups instant white rice: Cooks quickly and absorbs all the savory juices.
- 1 cup milk: Brings creaminess that makes the rice velvety soft.
- 1 cup thin salsa: Offers tangy brightness with a dash of heat.
- 1 cup queso cheese dip: Melts into the rice for rich, cheesy goodness.
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained: Adds juicy bursts of flavor and that gentle chili heat.
- ½ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend: For a melty, golden cheesy topping that finishes the dish perfectly.
How to Make One-Pan Mexican Chicken & Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by sprinkling the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with the taco seasoning. This step is key because it infuses each piece with that unmistakable Mexican flavor that will shine throughout the dish.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until each piece is beautifully browned on the outside and no longer pink inside. Browning adds flavor and texture. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside but keep all those delicious browned bits in the pan for the next step.
Step 3: Cook the Rice Mixture
Into the same skillet, add the instant white rice, milk, and thin salsa. Bring everything to a boil to marry all those flavors then cover and reduce the heat to simmer. Let it cook gently for 5 to 7 minutes until the rice becomes tender and has soaked up the liquid perfectly.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Tomatoes
Stir in the queso cheese dip along with the undrained can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies. Simmer this cheesy, flavorful mixture for another 5 minutes. This is where the rice gets super creamy and infused with a subtle kick from the chilies.
Step 5: Combine and Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend over the rice mixture. Arrange the browned chicken pieces on top and then sprinkle the remaining cheese over everything. Cover the skillet and cook just until the cheese melts to a gooey, irresistible finish.
How to Serve One-Pan Mexican Chicken & Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your meal with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream. A squeeze of lime juice adds zesty freshness and balances the creamy richness, making each bite lively and delicious.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, warm tortillas for scooping, or some black beans for an extra boost of protein and texture diversity.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the One-Pan Mexican Chicken & Rice Recipe in warm, hollowed-out bell peppers or over a bed of crunchy tortilla chips for an unexpectedly delightful crunch. You can even turn it into a filling for burritos or tacos, making it as versatile as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to enjoy it later. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or water to keep the rice creamy and prevent it from drying out. Cover loosely while reheating to help the cheese stay melty and indulgent.
FAQs
Can I use long-grain rice instead of instant white rice?
Yes, but cooking times will be longer and you may need extra liquid. Instant rice is recommended for quick and even cooking, but long-grain works if you adjust accordingly.
Is there a substitute for the queso cheese dip?
You can use shredded cheese like Monterey Jack or a creamy cheese sauce as an alternative, though the queso dip adds a smooth texture and distinctive flavor that’s hard to replicate.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Use a spicier salsa, add extra diced jalapeños, or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper with the taco seasoning to kick up the heat to your liking.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can chop and season the chicken ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the rice fresh. If you want to prep fully, just reheat gently so the cheese melts nicely without overcooking the chicken.
What can I use if I don’t have Rotel tomatoes?
A good substitute would be diced tomatoes with canned green chilies or simply drained diced tomatoes mixed with a bit of chopped fresh chili for heat.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Mexican Chicken & Rice Recipe delivers big on flavor and comfort with minimal effort. It’s the kind of dish that makes you smile with every bite and feel proud connecting simple ingredients into a delicious meal. I can’t recommend it enough—grab your skillet and give it a try, I promise it’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
One-Pan Mexican Chicken & Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This One-Pan Mexican Chicken & Rice recipe offers a quick, flavorful meal combining tender seasoned chicken, creamy rice, and a cheesy Mexican twist, all cooked conveniently in a single skillet within 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1½ lb boneless skinless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning
- 1 Tbsp oil
Rice & Sauce
- 2 cups instant white rice
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup thin salsa
- 1 cup queso cheese dip
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
Toppings
- ½ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with the taco seasoning to ensure each piece is well-coated with flavor.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat the tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on the outside and no longer pink inside. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Rice Mixture: Into the same skillet, add the instant white rice, milk, and thin salsa. Stir and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pan and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Combine with Queso and Tomatoes: Stir in the queso cheese dip and the undrained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese and Chicken: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the rice mixture. Place the cooked chicken pieces on top, then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the chicken. Cover the skillet and cook just until the cheese melts, creating a delicious, gooey topping.
Notes
- Use instant white rice for quick cooking, but you can substitute with long grain white rice if you increase the simmering time accordingly.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to your preferred spice level.
- For extra flavor, garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions before serving.
- This dish can be served with a side of sour cream or guacamole for added creaminess.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute queso dip and Mexican cheese with dairy-free alternatives.
