Looking for a delicious, hassle-free dinner that packs a flavorful punch? Look no further than this One Pot Taco Chicken Rice! This vibrant Mexican-inspired dish combines tender chicken, hearty rice, and zesty taco seasoning, all cooked together in just one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe not only saves you time on cleanup but also delivers a satisfying meal that your whole family will love. Ready to turn up the flavor and simplify your dinner routine? Dive into this easy recipe that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup rice (uncooked)
- 1 can black beans (15 oz)
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cheese, shredded (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken breast into uniform bite-sized pieces, measuring out rice, draining and rinsing black beans, and having taco seasoning ready.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and allow it to become hot.
- Add diced chicken to the pan, season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is lightly browned and no longer pink in the center.
- Sprinkle entire packet of taco seasoning over the chicken, stirring to coat evenly and allow spices to bloom for 30 seconds.
- Add uncooked rice to the pan, stirring to combine with chicken and allow rice to lightly toast for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and prevent any seasoning from burning.
- Add black beans and corn to the mixture, stirring gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes to allow rice to fully absorb remaining moisture.
- Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and allow to melt from residual heat.
- Fluff rice with a fork, serve hot, and garnish with optional toppings like cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To make your cooking process even quicker, prep your ingredients in advance. Dice the chicken, measure out the rice, and have your beans and corn ready to go before you start cooking.
- Customize Your Spice Level: If you like a little heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the chicken. Adjust the taco seasoning to your taste for a personalized kick!
- Use a Good Quality Chicken Broth: The broth is key to infusing flavor into the rice. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the dish to rest for 5 minutes after cooking helps the rice absorb any remaining moisture, ensuring a perfectly fluffy texture.
- Toppings Galore: Get creative with your toppings! Fresh cilantro, avocado slices, sour cream, or even a squeeze of lime can elevate your dish and add freshness.
- Make It a Meal Prep: This recipe yields four servings, making it great for meal prep. Store leftovers in airtight containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 90mg
