This Mexican Rice with Chicken recipe is a delicious, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful spices, and vibrant vegetables with perfectly cooked rice. It’s a hearty, one-pot meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The combination of spices gives the dish a rich and savory taste, while the fresh vegetables add a touch of brightness. This recipe is easy to prepare and will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent. Add the red and green bell peppers and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
- Cook the Rice: Stir in the rice, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, to toast the rice and spices.
- Simmer the Dish: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add Chicken and Peas: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the frozen peas. Stir to combine, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the peas are heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in the fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Enjoy your flavorful and satisfying Mexican Rice with Chicken!