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One Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice

One Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice

A vibrant and comforting One Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice recipe packed with bold Mexican flavors, tender chicken, and fluffy rice simmered together with fresh ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, this effortless all-in-one dish offers minimal cleanup and maximum taste, ideal to feed a family or meal prep for the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 46 chicken thighs or breasts, skinless and boneless

Rice and Grains

  • 1 cup long grain white rice

Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables

  • 12 bell peppers, chopped
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

Liquids

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh Herbs and Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the bell peppers. Pat the chicken dry and season it generously with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and paprika for optimal flavor.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside; this locks in the juices and builds rich flavor.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Veggies: In the same pot, add the onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken for added depth.
  4. Add Rice and Seasonings: Stir in the rice and spices, coating the grains evenly. Toasting the rice slightly gives it a lovely texture and prevents mushiness.
  5. Combine Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth. Stir everything together, then return the chicken to the pot, nestling it into the rice mixture.
  6. Simmer Until Done: Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes. The rice will absorb the broth and the chicken will cook through, resulting in tender, flavorful bites.
  7. Add Fresh Finishing Touches: Remove from heat and let it rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • Dry your chicken well before searing to achieve a perfect golden crust.
  • Use high-quality chicken broth for richer, more flavorful rice.
  • Don’t skip toasting the rice to add texture and prevent mushiness.
  • Keep the pot covered while simmering to trap steam and cook rice evenly.
  • Adjust spices gradually, tasting as you go to balance heat and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican chicken rice, one pot meal, easy dinner, weeknight recipe, Mexican spices, chicken thighs, one pot chicken and rice