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Homemade Mexican Chicken and Rice photo

Mexican Chicken and Rice

This Mexican Chicken and Rice is bursting with flavor! It's a one-pot meal that's easy to make and perfect for any night of the week.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Dish:

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil for sautéing
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 3/4-inch pieces
  • 1 small yellow onion chopped
  • 2 small jalapeños core and seeds discarded, diced
  • 1 large jalapeño core and seeds discarded, diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper chopped
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup long or medium-grain brown rice
  • 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes in their juices
  • 3 medium green onions chopped

Instructions

Cooking Steps:

  • Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  • Step 2: Once the chicken is cooked, add the diced jalapeños, red bell pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften and the spices become fragrant.
  • Step 3: Add the rinsed black beans, brown rice, and diced tomatoes with their juices to the skillet. Stir to combine all the ingredients well.
  • Step 4: Pour in 2 cups of water (or chicken broth for extra flavor) and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
  • Step 5: Once the cooking time is up, remove the skillet from heat. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Step 6: Serve your Mexican Chicken and Rice with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, diced avocado, salsa, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy finish.

Equipment

  • Large skillet or pot
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Can opener

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Add a splash of water when reheating to keep the dish moist.