If you're looking to spice up your dinner routine with a dish that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than Salsafied Chicken and Rice! This vibrant Mexican-inspired recipe combines tender chicken thighs, zesty salsa, and fluffy rice, all cooked together in one skillet for a hassle-free meal. With just 40 minutes from start to finish, you can impress your family or guests with a dish that's not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and bring the fiesta to your dinner table!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs, diced
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of diced chicken thighs, 1 cup of long-grain rice, 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of salsa, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and fresh cilantro for garnish.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken thighs to the pan.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the rice. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of long-grain rice with 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of salsa, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Once the chicken is cooked, pour the rice mixture into the skillet with the chicken. Stir gently to combine the chicken and rice mixture evenly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the flavors and cook thoroughly.
- After 20 minutes, remove the skillet from heat but keep it covered for an additional 5 minutes. This resting time helps the rice finish cooking and absorb any remaining liquid.
- After the resting period, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- To serve, spoon the Salsafied Chicken and Rice onto plates or into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious Salsafied Chicken and Rice, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Tips
- Choose the Right Salsa: The flavor of your Salsafied Chicken and Rice heavily depends on the salsa you use. Opt for a fresh, chunky salsa for a more vibrant taste, or a roasted salsa for a smoky flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: After cooking, let the dish sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and enhances the overall flavor.
- Customize Your Protein: While chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, feel free to substitute with chicken breasts, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Garnish for Freshness: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and flavor, but you can also experiment with other toppings like avocado slices, lime wedges, or a sprinkle of cheese to elevate your dish.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! Cook a larger batch and store leftovers in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
