Are you looking for a comforting and delicious meal that the whole family will love? Look no further! This Flavorful Mexican Rice with Chicken, Vegetables, and Melted Cheese is here to make your dinner time easy and enjoyable.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, but it’s also great for weekend gatherings. It’s packed with flavor from spiced chicken, fresh veggies, and gooey melted cheese. Plus, it comes together in just one skillet, making clean-up a breeze! I have enjoyed this dish with my family many times, and it always brings smiles to our faces.
How to Make Flavorful Mexican Rice with Chicken, Vegetables, and Melted Cheese
Ingredients:
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Directions:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken chunks with salt, pepper, and half of the cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the onion and green bell pepper until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the rice, the remaining cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Toast the rice for 2 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken broth. Stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir the cooked chicken and frozen peas into the rice. Cook for another 5 minutes until the peas are warmed through.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the rice. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy this flavorful, cheesy Mexican-inspired dish!
How to Serve Flavorful Mexican Rice with Chicken, Vegetables, and Melted Cheese
Serve this delicious dish hot, straight from the skillet! You can also provide some tortilla chips or warm tortillas on the side for extra fun. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime can make it even better!
How to Store Flavorful Mexican Rice with Chicken, Vegetables, and Melted Cheese
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Tips to Make Flavorful Mexican Rice with Chicken, Vegetables, and Melted Cheese
- For extra spice, add sliced jalapeños when cooking the onions and bell peppers.
- You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or beans for a different twist.
- Make sure to taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Variation
You can customize this dish by adding other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or even black beans. Feel free to mix it up based on what you have on hand!
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and amount of liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook.
2. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The flavors are mild, and kids usually love the melted cheese on top.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the chicken and use vegetable broth and extra vegetables instead. You can also use plant-based protein for added texture.