Easy Mexican Chicken and Rice with Cheese

why make this recipe

Crazy Chicken Mexican Chicken and Rice with Cheese is a simple and tasty dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful spices, and creamy cheese.

It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends.

This dish is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it a great choice for any cook, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced chef.

Plus, it has a wonderful balance of textures and flavors that everyone will love.

Print Recipe

Mexican Chicken and Rice with Cheese

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time45 minutes mins

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 1 cup queso sauce
• ¼ cup cilantro chopped
• Lime wedges optional

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
• Rub this spice mixture generously over the chicken breasts.
• In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear on each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove chicken breasts and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the rice and stir well to coat with the remaining juices and oil.
• Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir to combine.
• Nestle the seared chicken breasts into the rice mixture and bring to a simmer.
• Cover the skillet and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
• Remove from the oven and sprinkle shredded Mexican blend cheese over the chicken and rice. Return to the oven until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.
• Drizzle queso sauce over the entire dish and garnish with chopped cilantro.
• Serve hot with lime wedges on the side, if desired.

how to make Crazy Chicken Mexican Chicken and Rice with Cheese

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 1 cup queso sauce
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub this spice mixture generously over the chicken breasts.
4. In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear on each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove chicken breasts and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the rice and stir well to coat with the remaining juices and oil.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir to combine.
7. Nestle the seared chicken breasts into the rice mixture and bring to a simmer.
8. Cover the skillet and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
9. Remove from the oven and sprinkle shredded Mexican blend cheese over the chicken and rice. Return to the oven until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.
10. Drizzle queso sauce over the entire dish and garnish with chopped cilantro.
11. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side, if desired.

how to serve Crazy Chicken Mexican Chicken and Rice with Cheese

Serve this dish right from the skillet for a warm and inviting meal. The melted cheese and vibrant colors make it look appealing on the table. Pair it with lime wedges for added flavor. You can also add a side salad or some tortilla chips for a complete meal.

how to store Crazy Chicken Mexican Chicken and Rice with Cheese

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you want to reheat, just warm it up in the microwave or oven until heated through.

tips to make Crazy Chicken Mexican Chicken and Rice with Cheese

• Make sure to season the chicken well for a great flavor.
• If you prefer more spice, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the rice mixture.
• For a quicker version, use pre-cooked chicken.
• Experiment with different types of cheese for unique flavors.

variation (if any)

You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or black beans.

Feel free to use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier option, but remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to thaw them completely before searing for even cooking.

2. What if I don’t have chicken broth?

If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or even water as a substitute, although the flavor may be milder.

3. Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time by seasoning the chicken and preparing the rice mixture. Just follow the baking instructions when you are ready to serve.