One-Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice: Your Ultimate Easy & Flavorful Weeknight Meal
Life can be incredibly hectic, leaving little time for elaborate meals and even less for extensive cleanup. That’s why we’re thrilled to share our absolute favorite **One-Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice** recipe! This dish is a true game-changer, delivering an explosion of vibrant Mexican flavors in a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, effortless entertaining, or simply enjoying a delicious, wholesome meal without the fuss. We loved it so much, we happily enjoyed it for three days straight, and we’re confident your family will too!
This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s also incredibly versatile and aligns well with healthier eating goals. Each 1-cup serving is a mere 5 points on Weight Watchers (WW), making it a fantastic option for those mindful of their intake. Get ready to add this delicious and super simple Mexican-inspired chicken and rice to your regular meal rotation!
Key Ingredients for Your Mexican Chicken and Rice Skillet
Crafting this incredibly flavorful dish relies on a few simple, accessible ingredients that pack a punch. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to create this amazing **one-pot wonder**:
- Ground Chicken: This lean protein forms the base of our dish. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully, making it an excellent choice for a fast, healthy meal.
- Uncle Ben’s Mexican-Style Rice: The star of the grain component! Using a pre-seasoned, quick-cook rice like Uncle Ben’s Bistro Express Mexican style rice significantly cuts down on prep and cooking time while infusing the dish with an authentic Tex-Mex taste.
- Taco Seasoning: A fundamental ingredient for any Mexican-inspired dish, taco seasoning provides that signature blend of spices – cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic, and onion – that brings all the flavors together.
- Rotel Chopped Tomatoes with Green Chilies: This fantastic ingredient offers a delightful combination of diced tomatoes and mild green chilies, adding both moisture and a subtle kick without making the dish overly spicy.
- Bell Peppers: Fresh, diced bell peppers (any color works, but a mix adds visual appeal) contribute sweetness, crunch, and essential vitamins, enhancing both flavor and texture.
- Onion: Diced onion provides an aromatic foundation, deepening the overall savory profile of the dish. Red onion, as suggested in the original recipe, can add a sharper, fresher taste.
- Shredded Cheese: A generous topping of shredded cheese melts into a gooey, delicious layer, adding creaminess and richness that perfectly complements the savory chicken and rice.
Ingredient Spotlight: Tips for Success and Easy Substitutions
While the specific ingredients listed make for an optimal experience, we understand that sometimes availability varies. Don’t let that stop you from trying this amazing **easy Mexican chicken recipe**! Here are some tips and substitution ideas:
Choosing Your Rice
The original recipe calls for Uncle Ben’s Bistro Express Mexican-style rice for its convenience and flavor. If you can’t find this exact package, look for a similar quick-cook, pre-seasoned Mexican or Spanish rice blend. Many brands offer comparable products that will work wonderfully. The goal is to save time, so microwaveable options are ideal. However, if you prefer, you can certainly cook regular white or brown rice separately and add it to the mixture, adjusting the seasoning as needed. Just ensure your chosen rice is fully cooked before combining. For nutritional information on the Bistro Express variety, you can often find details on the manufacturer’s website or packaging. We chose this type specifically to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish, adding a delicious depth that regular plain rice might lack.
Rotel Tomatoes: Adding the Perfect Mild Spice
Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies are a cornerstone for many Tex-Mex recipes, offering a unique blend of tanginess and a mild, pleasant heat. This combination ensures our **Mexican chicken and rice skillet** has a lovely depth without being overly spicy, making it suitable for most palates. If Rotel isn’t available in your local grocery store, don’t worry! You can easily replicate the effect by using a can of regular diced tomatoes and adding a small can of diced green chilies to the pot. This simple swap ensures you still get that signature flavor and a touch of warmth.
The Magic of One-Pot Meals: Simple Cleanup, Big Flavor
One of the biggest advantages of this **one-pot meal** is, as the name suggests, the minimal cleanup! Everything comes together in a single pot, significantly reducing the amount of dishes you’ll have to wash. This feature alone makes it an invaluable recipe for anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine, especially on busy weeknights. Beyond the convenience, cooking everything in one pot allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a more cohesive and delicious dish. The chicken, vegetables, and rice simmer together, absorbing the rich spices and tomato base, ensuring every bite is packed with incredible taste. This truly is a **quick dinner recipe** that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Customizing Your One-Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to easily adjust it to your family’s preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to personalize your **healthy Mexican meal**! You can add extra vegetables to boost the nutritional content and bulk it up. Common additions include:
- Corn: A cup of frozen or canned corn (drained) adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Black Beans: Rinsed and drained black beans are a fantastic source of fiber and protein, making the dish even heartier and more satisfying. Many followers have told us they added beans and it turned out very well!
- Zucchini or Squash: Diced zucchini or yellow squash can be added with the peppers and onions for extra veggies.
- Spinach or Kale: Wilted spinach or chopped kale can be stirred in towards the end for an extra nutritional boost.
If you find that adding extra ingredients makes the mixture too thick, a small amount of water or low-sodium chicken broth can be added to achieve your desired consistency. This flexibility makes it a truly versatile and **family-friendly chicken dish** that you can make your own.
Cheese Selection: Your Favorite Will Do!
For the shredded cheese, we typically use a three-blend variety, simply because it’s what’s usually stocked in the fridge. However, any shredded cheese you enjoy will work perfectly. Whether you prefer sharp cheddar, mild Monterey Jack, a spicy pepper jack, or a dedicated Mexican blend, feel free to use your favorite. If you’re tracking calories or WW points, opting for a reduced-fat version of your preferred cheese is an excellent way to keep the dish lighter without sacrificing that delicious, melty goodness.
One Pot Mexican Chicken & Rice
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken *weighed raw
- 1 package Uncle Ben’s bistro express mexican style rice
- 1 package taco seasoning – 35g
- 2 cans, 284ml rotel chopped tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup diced peppers
- 1/2 cup diced onion *I used red
- 1 cup reduced fat shredded cheese, I used a 3 blend
Instructions
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In a large pot or oven-safe skillet, cook the ground chicken over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon until fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
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To the browned chicken, add the Rotel chopped tomatoes with green chilies, diced bell peppers, diced onion, and the entire package of taco seasoning. Stir all ingredients well to combine, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed and coating the chicken and vegetables.
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Prepare the Uncle Ben’s Mexican-style rice according to the package directions, typically by heating it in the microwave for about 90 seconds. Once cooked, add the hot rice to the chicken and vegetable mixture in the pot. Mix gently until everything is thoroughly combined.
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Let the entire mixture simmer on medium heat for about 15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Once the mixture is heated through and well combined, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the pot and continue to cook on low heat for a few minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Alternatively, if your pot is oven-safe, you can transfer it to a preheated oven (around 350°F / 175°C) for 5-7 minutes to melt and slightly brown the cheese.
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Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious **One-Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice**! This recipe makes 6 single-cup servings. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Leftovers freeze exceptionally well, making this an excellent **meal prep idea**.
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*Note: Feel free to add in extra veggies like corn, black beans, or zucchini to bulk it up and add more nutrients. If the mixture seems too thick after adding extra ingredients, you may want to add a little water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Notes
Personal Points- 4-5 depending on your 0PP foods
Freestyle SP (Blue & purple)- 4 using WW recipe builder
Smart Points (Green)- 5 using SP calculator
Points Plus- 6 using PP calculator
Nutritional info per 1 cup serving- Calories.. 248..Fat 6.8g..Sat fat 2.3g…Carbs 21.5g..Fiber 1.6g…Sugar 4.7g…Protein 25.2g using My Fitness Pal *Note this includes all ingredients, if entering these numbers into a WW calculator you may get a higher point value due to the zero point foods
Additional Info
Meal Prep and Storage for Ultimate Convenience
This **one-pot Mexican chicken and rice** recipe is not only fantastic for a fresh dinner but also excels as a **meal prep idea**. Its robust flavors hold up beautifully, making it ideal for planned meals throughout the week. You can easily store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days, providing quick and easy lunches or dinners. What’s even better is that this dish freezes exceptionally well! Prepare a larger batch and portion it out into individual freezer-safe containers for convenient, ready-to-heat meals anytime. Having these delicious portions stocked in your freezer is a lifesaver for those days when you need a hearty, flavorful meal without any cooking.
To reheat from frozen, simply let the dish thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you have several options: gently heat it in a frying pan over medium heat on the stove, transfer it to a casserole dish and warm it in the oven (covered with foil to prevent drying out), or simply use your microwave for a quick reheat. No matter the method, you’ll have a warm, delicious meal ready in minutes, proving that healthy and flavorful eating can be incredibly easy.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
In summary, our **One-Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice** is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for delicious, healthy, and convenient eating. It brings together lean ground chicken, flavorful Mexican-style rice, fresh vegetables, and a delightful hint of spice, all crowned with melted cheese. With minimal cleanup, easy customization, and excellent meal prep capabilities, it ticks all the boxes for a **flavorful chicken and rice** dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re a busy parent, a health-conscious eater, or simply someone who appreciates a straightforward yet delicious meal, this recipe is guaranteed to become a household favorite.
Looking for more similar **easy Mexican chicken recipes** or comforting main meals? Don’t forget to explore our other family favorites! You might also enjoy our Chicken & Rice Crescent Topped Casserole for another hearty chicken and rice variation, or our Easy Mexican Stuffed Peppers if you’re craving more Mexican-inspired flavors in a different format. Happy cooking!