Description
Savor the zesty flavors of mexican chicken and rice, a comforting dish that brings south-of-the-border warmth to your dinner table. Spicy, tender chicken nestled on a bed of fluffy rice promises a delightful meal that satisfies both hunger and culinary curiosity.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for chicken)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for rice)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 0.5 tsp oregano
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 (14.5 oz / 411 g) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1.75 cups (414 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 0.5 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Sliced jalapenos
Instructions
- Seasoning Preparation: Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with a robust blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even distribution of spices.
- Chicken Searing: Utilize a large skillet with medium-high heat and olive oil to brown chicken pieces, cooking until completely done and developing a rich, caramelized exterior. Transfer cooked chicken to a holding plate.
- Aromatic Foundation: In the same skillet, sauté diced onion and bell pepper until they become translucent, then introduce minced garlic and quickly activate its intense flavor profile.
- Rice Transformation: Incorporate rice and accompanying spices like smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and salt, gently toasting the grains to enhance their nutty characteristics and release aromatic compounds.
- Liquid Integration: Combine diced tomatoes and chicken broth, allowing the mixture to reach a gentle simmer. Reduce heat, cover, and let the rice absorb the flavorful liquid until tender.
- Final Assembly: Reintroduce cooked chicken, fold in frozen corn and black beans, creating a harmonious blend of textures and temperatures. Allow ingredients to meld and heat thoroughly.
- Presentation: Fluff rice delicately, garnish with shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and a zesty lime squeeze to elevate the dish’s vibrancy and complexity.
Notes
- Create a robust spice blend by massaging the seasonings directly into chicken pieces, ensuring deep flavor penetration and even coating.
- Continuously stir rice during toasting to develop nutty flavors without scorching, watching heat carefully to maintain golden color without charring.
- Maintain precise liquid-to-rice proportions to achieve perfectly fluffy rice; adjust broth quantity if rice seems too dry or wet during cooking.
- Easily substitute chicken with turkey, shredded beef, or plant-based protein alternatives like tofu or jackfruit for dietary preferences while maintaining similar seasoning profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg