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Easy 30-Minute One-Pan Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice Skillet

one-pan cheesy chicken taco rice skillet - featured image
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A quick and comforting one-pan meal featuring seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, and melted cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • Fresh cilantro (optional, a small handful)
  • Lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear without moving for 2-3 minutes until golden on one side.
  3. Stir and cook chicken for another 3-4 minutes until mostly cooked but not dry. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Stir in rice and taco seasoning. Toast rice for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until nutty and coated with spices.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine, scraping browned bits from the bottom.
  6. Return chicken to skillet, nestling it into the rice mixture. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
  7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover again for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and gooey.
  8. Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions and cilantro if using. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Drying the chicken before searing helps achieve better browning. Toast the rice carefully to avoid burning. Keep the skillet covered tightly during simmering to trap steam and cook rice evenly. If rice is not tender after 20 minutes, add a splash of water or broth and cook a few more minutes. Avoid adding cheese too early for best melt.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan, chicken, taco, rice, cheesy, quick dinner, weeknight meal, easy recipe

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/easy-30-minute-one-pan-cheesy-chicken-taco-rice-skillet-recipe-for-busy-weeknights/