Description
Spicy cheesy chicken fiesta rice delivers a Mexican-inspired comfort meal packed with bold flavors and satisfying ingredients. Zesty chicken, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice combine for a quick dinner you can enjoy with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese
- 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2–3 thighs)
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 can (11 oz/312 g) mexicorn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz/283 g) rotel
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 tbsps tomato paste
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preparation: Dice chicken into uniform, bite-sized cubes and gather all ingredients for a streamlined cooking process.
- Sauté: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding chicken and onion; cook until chicken browns and onions become translucent.
- Flavor Infusion: Incorporate minced garlic and taco seasoning, stirring to release aromatic spices and develop deep flavor profiles.
- Liquid Base: Add chicken broth, black beans, mexicorn, Rotel, and tomato paste, creating a robust and colorful cooking liquid.
- Rice Integration: Bring mixture to a rapid boil, then gently stir in uncooked rice, ensuring complete ingredient distribution and even cooking.
- Simmer and Cook: Reduce heat, cover skillet, and allow rice to absorb liquid and become tender, approximately 18-20 minutes.
- Cheese Finale: Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese across the surface, cover briefly to create a melted, golden cheese layer that blankets the entire dish.
- Serving: Allow dish to rest for a few minutes, letting flavors meld and cheese set before presenting a vibrant, cheesy chicken fiesta rice.
Notes
- Dice with Precision: Cut chicken into uniform cubes to guarantee even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked spots.
- Sauté for Flavor Development: Browning chicken and onions creates deeper, more complex taste profiles through caramelization.
- Timing Matters: Monitor rice cooking closely to prevent overcooking, which can lead to mushy texture and loss of individual grain integrity.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Allow cheese to rest briefly after melting to create a smooth, glossy coating that enhances overall dish presentation and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg