If your weeknight dinner needs a flavor boost, this One-Pan Mexican Chicken Rice has you covered — bold spices, tender chicken, and fluffy rice all cooked together in one skillet.

It’s the perfect mix of cozy and exciting: seasoned chicken, warm cumin and paprika, sweet corn, and black beans, all simmered in one pan and topped with a handful of fresh toppings. It’s comforting, colorful, and totally doable on a busy night.

No extra pots, no stress — just one pan, clean ingredients, and a meal that tastes like you really tried (even though you didn’t have to).

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 tsp chili powder

• ½ tsp cumin

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1 cup uncooked long grain or jasmine rice

• 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed

• ½ cup corn (frozen or canned)

• ½ cup diced tomatoes (or salsa)

• Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Sear the chicken
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté 5–6 minutes until browned (doesn't need to be fully cooked yet). Remove and set aside.

2. Cook the rice
   In the same pan, add uncooked rice, broth, beans, corn, and tomatoes. Stir to combine. Nestle the seared chicken back into the pan.

3. Simmer it all
   Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

4. Finish & serve
   Fluff with a fork, top with avocado, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of Greek yogurt. Serve with lime wedges for extra zing.

Sarah’s Tips:

• Want it spicy? Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the broth.

• Make it meatless: Swap chicken for sautéed bell peppers and use veggie broth.

• Short on time? Use pre-cooked chicken and reduce simmer time to 12–15 minutes.

• Make it a bowl: Serve over shredded lettuce with extra salsa and tortilla strips!

Flavorful Conclusion:

This One-Pan Mexican Chicken Rice is everything you love about a burrito bowl — but all cooked together in one warm, cozy skillet. It's hearty, healthy, and perfect for busy nights when you want flavor and simplicity.

Nutrition (per serving, serves 4):

• Calories: 410

• Protein: 34g

• Carbs: 36g

• Fat: 14g

• Fiber: 5g

• Sugar: 3g