Chicken Cheese and Rice Mexican Recipe: A Flavorful Comfort Meal
If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family, then look no further than this Chicken Cheese and Rice Mexican Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and seasoned rice. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a dish to impress guests, this meal is versatile, satisfying, and full of delicious Mexican-inspired flavors.
In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide to making this amazing dish, along with some handy tips to ensure it turns out perfectly. Plus, we’ll cover the nutritional breakdown, storage instructions, and answers to some frequently asked questions to help make your cooking experience even easier!
Chicken Cheese and Rice Mexican Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Cook the Rice: Start by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. For best results, use a medium-sized pot and bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt, stir in the rice, and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is cooked. Set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the rice is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and fully cooked. Season with salt, pepper, and ground cumin.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together to combine. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Mix in the Rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Stir everything together so that the rice absorbs the flavors. If desired, add diced tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the rice mixture. Stir it in until the cheese melts and creates a creamy texture. If you like extra cheese, you can add more on top and let it melt.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick.
Recipe Notes:
- Variations: You can make this dish even heartier by adding vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or peas. Just add them along with the onions and garlic for a more colorful and nutritious meal.
- Spiciness: For a spicier kick, try adding diced jalapeños or a bit of cayenne pepper to the mixture. Adjust the chili powder according to your taste.
- Protein Options: Feel free to substitute the chicken with other proteins like ground beef, turkey, or even shrimp for a different twist.
Time and Serving:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Serving Size: This recipe serves 4 people as a main dish.
Storage Instructions:
This dish stores beautifully for later meals!
- Refrigeration: Let the Chicken Cheese and Rice cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool before placing it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and heat it up in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or broth to restore the creaminess.
- Reheating: When reheating, add a little more chicken broth or cream to maintain the creamy texture.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 3g
(Note: These values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect:
- Rice Cooking Tip: If you prefer fluffy rice, make sure to rinse it before cooking to remove excess starch. This will help prevent the rice from being too sticky.
- Cheese Lovers: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a mix of cheese can add different textures and flavors to the dish.
- One-Pan Option: If you’re short on time or want to avoid multiple pans, you can try making this recipe in one pan by using the same skillet for both the chicken and rice. Just ensure the rice is fully cooked by the end.
How to Serve:
This Chicken Cheese and Rice Mexican Recipe pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, guacamole, or tortilla chips for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a side of grilled vegetables or a light soup for a heartier dinner.
Kitchen Tools Needed:
- Large skillet: For cooking the chicken and mixing the rice.
- Saucepan: To cook the rice.
- Measuring spoons: To ensure the spices are added correctly.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: To stir the ingredients while cooking.
