Mexican Chicken and Rice
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Category: Lunch/Snacks
Description: Discover the vibrant flavors of this delightful Mexican Chicken and Rice recipe, perfect for a quick lunch or snack. Share it with friends and family for a taste of Mexico right in your kitchen.
Keywords: Poultry, Rice, Meat, Mexican, Easy, Under 4 Hours
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | boneless skinless chicken breasts |
| 1 | cup converted rice |
| 2 | cups salsa |
| 1 | cup water |
| 1 tablespoon taco seasoning | |
| 1 tablespoon cooking oil | |
| Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2008.6 |
| Total Fat | 40.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 526.6 mg |
| Sodium | 2154.6 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 166.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.3 g |
| Sugars | 8.5 g |
| Protein | 228.8 g |
Instructions
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Season the Chicken: Begin by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken cubes with the taco seasoning, ensuring they are evenly coated. This will infuse your chicken with a burst of flavor right from the start.
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Sauté the Chicken: In a heavy skillet with a tight-fitting lid, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken cubes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces change color and are no longer pink in the center. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
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Incorporate the Rice: Stir in the converted rice, mixing it thoroughly with the chicken and oil to coat the grains. This step is essential as it helps the rice absorb all the flavors as it cooks.
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Add Salsa and Water: Pour in the salsa and water, giving the mixture a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients. Bring this mixture to a boil, allowing the vibrant salsa to mingle with the rice and chicken.
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Simmer the Dish: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to achieve a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with the lid and allow it to cook for about 20 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb the liquid and flavors, becoming tender and fluffy.
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Rest Before Serving: After 20 minutes, remove the skillet from the heat but keep it covered. Let it stand for an additional 5 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to settle and enhances the overall taste.
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Garnish and Enjoy: If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your Mexican Chicken and Rice warm, either on its own or as a delightful side dish.
This simple yet flavorful recipe is sure to become a family favorite. With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, it captures the essence of Mexican cuisine and makes for a satisfying meal any day of the week. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share the joy with others!
