Are you tired of boring, bland meals that leave you unsatisfied? Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this mouthwatering Chili Chicken and Rice recipe that combines zesty Mexican-inspired flavors with hearty, comforting ingredients. In just 40 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's guaranteed to impress your family and leave everyone craving seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 can chili beans
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing the chicken breasts into small, uniform cubes, ensuring they are approximately 1/2 inch in size for even cooking.
- Season the diced chicken with cumin, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices.
- Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the hot pan and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through with no pink remaining.
- Open the can of chili beans and drain any excess liquid before adding to the skillet with the cooked chicken.
- Pour the salsa over the chicken and beans, stirring to combine all ingredients and allow flavors to meld together.
- Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop and blend.
- While the chicken mixture is simmering, reheat the cooked rice if it's not already warm.
- Plate the rice and top with the chili chicken mixture, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Tips
- Chicken Cutting Hack: Dice chicken when it's slightly cold for more precise, uniform cuts. This ensures even cooking and better texture.
- Spice Intensity: Adjust cumin and salsa heat level to suit your preference. For extra kick, add a pinch of chili powder or hot sauce.
- Rice Perfection: Use day-old rice or freshly cooked rice that's been slightly cooled to prevent mushiness. Slightly firm rice holds up better in this recipe.
- Flavor Boosting: For deeper flavor, consider sautéing diced onions before adding chicken or using fire-roasted salsa for a smoky undertone.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches. Store chicken and rice separately to maintain optimal texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 75mg
