Easy Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet

There’s something undeniably comforting about a one-skillet meal. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with warm, savory aromas, promising a satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup. This Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet is one of those recipes you’ll turn to again and again, especially on busy weeknights when you want something hearty, flavorful, and effortless.

Growing up, taco night was always a highlight of the week—loaded plates, crunchy toppings, and everyone coming together at the table. But sometimes, you just want all those delicious flavors without the extra steps of assembling tacos. That’s where this one-skillet taco-inspired dish comes in! It’s got tender chicken, perfectly seasoned rice, and all the bold spices you love, all cooked together in one pan for ultimate convenience.

This dish is also a great way to use up leftover rice or chicken, making it both a budget-friendly and practical meal. Plus, it’s totally customizable—top it with avocado, fresh cilantro, or even a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch of indulgence. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder – Fewer dishes mean more time to relax after dinner.
• Packed with Flavor – A delicious blend of taco spices, tender chicken, and fluffy rice.
• Great for Meal Prep – Reheats beautifully for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love this cheesy, satisfying meal.
• Easily Customizable – Switch up the toppings or protein to make it your own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Skillet:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For Topping (Optional, but Highly Recommended!):

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Diced avocado
• Sliced jalapeños
• Sour cream
• Lime wedges

How to Make Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Aromatics

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them with a little salt and pepper. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked through.

Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring frequently. Let them cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.

Step 2: Toast the Rice and Add Seasonings

Add the uncooked white rice directly into the skillet. Stir it around for 1-2 minutes, letting it absorb some of the flavors from the chicken and aromatics. This step gives the rice a slightly nutty flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy later.

Now, it’s time to add the taco-inspired seasonings: chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything well to ensure the spices coat the chicken and rice evenly.

Step 3: Simmer Until Tender

Pour in the chicken broth and the diced tomatoes with green chilies (including their juices). Give it all a good stir, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender, has absorbed most of the liquid, and the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Serve

When the rice is perfectly fluffy, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet for about 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully into the dish.

Once melted, grab a spoon and dig in! Garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of freshness.

Helpful Tips

• Use Leftover Rice – If you have pre-cooked rice, reduce the broth by half and stir in the rice towards the end of cooking.
• Make It Spicy – Add more chili powder or toss in diced jalapeños while cooking for a little extra heat.
• Swap the Protein – Try this recipe with ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even shrimp for a fun twist!
• Cheese Options – While cheddar is great, you can also use Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend for different flavors.
• Don’t Skip the Simmering – Letting everything cook together ensures that the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Notes

• Adjust the Spice Level – If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chili powder or use mild diced tomatoes with green chilies. For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
• Rice Varieties – This recipe works best with white rice, but if using brown rice, extend the cooking time by 10-15 minutes and add extra broth as needed.
• Shortcut Option – Use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken to cut down on cooking time. Simply shred it and stir it in when the rice is almost done.
• More Veggies? Yes, Please! – Feel free to add bell peppers, black beans, or corn for extra texture and flavor.
• Make It a Burrito Filling – This skillet meal makes an amazing burrito filling! Spoon it into a tortilla, add extra cheese, roll it up, and enjoy.
• Serving Suggestions – Serve with a side of tortilla chips, warm tortillas, or a simple green salad to round out the meal.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep the rice moist.

Freezer:

This dish freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Store for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe with brown rice?

Yes! Just note that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to increase the simmering time by about 10-15 minutes and add a bit more broth if needed.

What can I use instead of canned tomatoes with green chilies?

You can use regular diced tomatoes and add a small can of diced green chilies separately. If you prefer a milder version, just use plain diced tomatoes.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The dish is still incredibly flavorful without it.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! This skillet meal reheats beautifully, making it perfect for prepping ahead for lunches or dinners.

Related Recipes

If you liked this Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet, you might enjoy these other delicious recipes:

• Air Fryer Chicken Bulgogi
• A Hearty and Nourishing Salmon Bowl You’ll Love
• Irresistible Street Corn and Chicken Bowl
• Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls

Conclusion

This Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet is proof that simple ingredients can come together to create something delicious. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for an easy, flavorful meal, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. It’s comforting, packed with bold taco flavors, and best of all—made in just one pan!

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