If you’re looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to make, this Mexican Chicken and Rice recipe is a winner! With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy, tangy dressing, it’s the perfect mix of comfort food and bold flavors. Packed with veggies, beans, and spices, it’s not just delicious—it’s also a balanced meal the whole family will love. Let’s get cooking!
Method
Sauté the Veggies
Begin by heating a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil and let it heat up before adding the diced onion and red pepper. Sauté the vegetables for a few minutes, allowing them to soften and release their natural sweetness. Once they’re tender, add the crushed garlic cloves. Continue cooking for about 30 seconds, just long enough to release the aromatic flavors of the garlic.
Cook the Chicken
Next, introduce the diced chicken breast to the pan. Stir it well to coat the chicken in the flavorful sautéed veggies. Season the chicken with smoked paprika, turmeric, cajun seasoning, garlic granules, and onion granules. Stir everything together and cook the chicken, turning it occasionally, until it’s golden and slightly crispy on all sides. The spices should start to form a delicious crust on the chicken, infusing it with bold flavors.
Add Tomato Puree and Rice
Once the chicken is seared, stir in the tomato puree. Make sure the tomato puree evenly coats the chicken and vegetables, creating a rich, tangy base. After that, add the uncooked rice, black beans, and sweetcorn to the pan. Stir everything for about a minute to mix the ingredients well. The rice will begin to absorb the flavors of the spices and tomato puree, preparing it to cook in the liquid.
Cook the Rice
Now, pour in the chicken stock, stirring to incorporate it with the rest of the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the frying pan with a lid, allowing the rice to cook slowly for 15-20 minutes. During this time, stir occasionally to ensure the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom. The liquid should be absorbed, and the rice will be tender and fully cooked.
Add Cheese
Once the rice is perfectly cooked, it’s time to add the finishing touch—cheese! Sprinkle the reduced-fat grated cheese generously over the top of the rice and chicken mixture. Cover the pan again and let it sit for a few minutes. The heat will melt the cheese into a gooey, creamy layer that blends beautifully with the dish.
Prepare the Dressing
While the rice is finishing up, prepare the dressing. In a small mixing bowl, combine the fat-free Greek yogurt, light mayo, honey, lime juice, paprika, and taco seasoning. Stir the mixture well until it becomes smooth and creamy. This dressing will add a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that balances out the spices and brings a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and rice.
Serve
Once the rice is cooked and the cheese has melted, serve the Mexican Chicken and Rice by spooning it onto plates. For an extra touch, top each serving with sliced jalapeños and drizzle with Southwest-style sauce. Serve the creamy dressing on the side so that everyone can add as much or as little as they like. This dish is perfect when paired with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
Mexican Chicken and Rice
Equipment
- Large frying pan or skillet with a lid
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- For the Chicken and Rice:
- 1 diced onion
- 1 red pepper
- 1/2 tin black beans drained
- 1/2 tin sweetcorn drained
- 2 tbsp tomato puree
- 350 g diced chicken breast
- 500 ml chicken stock
- 180 g uncooked rice
- 3 crushed garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp onion granules
- For Toppings:
- 80 g reduced-fat grated cheese
- Jalapeños
- Southwest-style sauce
- For the Dressing makes 4 servings:
- 100 g fat-free Greek yogurt
- 20 g light mayo
- 20 g honey
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté the Veggies. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Fry the diced onion and red pepper for a few minutes until softened. Add the crushed garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken. Add the diced chicken breast to the pan along with the smoked paprika, turmeric, cajun seasoning, garlic granules, and onion granules. Cook until the chicken has some color on all sides.
- Step 3: Add Tomato Puree and Rice. Stir in the tomato puree, making sure it coats the chicken and veggies. Add the uncooked rice, black beans, and sweetcorn, stirring for another minute.
- Step 4: Cook the Rice. Pour in the chicken stock, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Step 5: Add Cheese. Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle grated cheese over the top. Cover the pan again for a few minutes to let the cheese melt.
- Step 6: Prepare the Dressing. In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, light mayo, honey, lime juice, paprika, and taco seasoning. Stir well until smooth.
- Step 7: Serve. Spoon the chicken and rice onto plates, top with jalapeños and southwest-style sauce, and serve with the creamy dressing on the side. Pair with steamed broccoli or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Stir Occasionally: Make sure to stir the rice occasionally while it cooks to prevent sticking.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly crushed garlic gives the dish a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced garlic.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re not a fan of spice, reduce the amount of cajun seasoning or jalapeños.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with tortilla chips for a crunchy side.
- Add a dollop of guacamole or sour cream for extra creaminess.
- Pair with a simple cucumber and tomato salad for a fresh contrast.
Fun Fact
Did you know that turmeric, one of the spices in this dish, is known for its health benefits? It contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it as good for your body as it is for your taste buds!
Conclusion
This Mexican Chicken and Rice recipe is a simple, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s hearty, healthy, and packed with bold flavors that will keep you coming back for more. The creamy dressing and melted cheese take it to the next level! Try it out and let me know how it turned out for you. Happy cooking! 🍗🍚🌶️