One-Pot Cheesy Mexican Chicken and Rice

For more Tex-Mex favorites, don't miss my sour cream chicken enchilada casserole, a creamy, cheesy dish that's pure indulgence.

And my king ranch chicken casserole recipe is a Southern classic that's perfect for potlucks. Each recipe is easy, satisfying, and packed with flavor-just like this one.

Why You'll Love this Recipe

This Mexican rice dish is a one-pan dinner - just like my Jiffy tamale pie - making cleanup a breeze while delivering bold Tex-Mex flavors in every bite.

Ready in 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and satisfying.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs: I prefer to cook with chicken thighs as they are less likely to dry out compared to chicken breasts, but feel free to substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts based on your preference and what you have on hand. I cut chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking and eating.
• Jasmine rice: This long grain rice has a light, fluffy texture that soaks up all the delicious flavors of the dish. I also suggest using long-grain white rice or basmati.
• Rotel: Diced tomatoes with green chilies add tang and spice, giving the dish its signature Tex-Mex flavor. I suggest using the hot variety for a spicier dish.
• Cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend: This melty, gooey queso topping ties all the flavors of this recipe together in cheesy perfection.
• Seasonings: For this dish I use smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, onion powder, and garlic powder. Or, if I have a batch made, I use a tablespoon of my homemade taco seasoning.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet, sauté onions and green bell peppers until softened. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Step 2: Add diced chicken thighs, seasonings, and salt and black pepper to the pan. Cook on medium high heat until chicken is cooked through.

Step 3: Combine Mexican chicken with rice and tomato paste. Stir and cook for one minute to remove any raw tomato paste flavor.

Step 4: Add chicken broth and Rotel. Bring to a boil then simmer and cover until the rice is cooked through.

Step 5: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the beans, corn, and lime juice.

Step 6: Sprinkle cheese across the top of the skillet. Melt cheese by covering the skillet with a lid for a couple minutes or broiling in the oven.

Recommended Recipes

Green Chicken Enchiladas with Homemade Sauce

Rotisserie Chicken Tortilla Soup (Easy Homemade Recipe)

Baked Chicken and Orzo (Creamy One Pot Meal)

Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin

If you try this recipe or any recipe from Happy Honey Kitchen, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below! Enjoy!