Name: Delicious Mexican Chicken & Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon sunflower oil; 600 g cubed chicken breast; 200 g rinsed rice; 500 ml chicken stock; 3 cloves garlic (crushed); 2 red and yellow bell peppers (diced); 2 tsp cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; 2 tsp paprika; 500 g passata; 1 can drained black beans; 1 can sweetcorn; 75 g grated mozzarella or cheddar

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Why Make This Recipe

Delicious Mexican Chicken & Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings warmth to any table. It is simple to prepare and requires just one pot, which means less cleanup. With a mix of protein, veggies, and spices, this meal is not only satisfying but also versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs, making it a perfect go-to recipe for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

How to Make Delicious Mexican Chicken & Rice

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon sunflower oil (Can substitute with olive oil.)
600 g cubed chicken breast (Can use chicken thighs or chickpeas as a vegetarian option.)
200 g rinsed rice (Opt for certified gluten-free rice for a gluten-free version.)
500 ml chicken stock (Use vegetable stock for a vegetarian option.)
3 cloves garlic (Crushed; fresh garlic is best.)
2 red and yellow bell peppers (Diced; green peppers can be substituted.)
2 tsp cumin (Adjust according to spice preference.)
1 tsp chili powder (Add more for extra heat.)
2 tsp paprika (Sweet or smoked varieties work well.)
500 g passata (Can swap for diced tomatoes.)
1 can drained black beans (Kidney beans or chickpeas are alternatives.)
1 can sweetcorn (Fresh corn is great in season.)
75 g grated mozzarella or cheddar (Use dairy-free cheese for a lighter option.)

Directions:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat the sunflower oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the cubed chicken breast and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the crushed garlic, diced peppers, cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the peppers soften.
Add the rinsed rice and cook for 1 minute, stirring well.
Pour in the chicken stock and passata. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
Once simmering, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the black beans and sweetcorn, allowing them to heat through, about 3-5 minutes.
Remove from heat and sprinkle the grated cheese on top. Cover for a minute to melt the cheese.
Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.

How to Serve Delicious Mexican Chicken & Rice

Serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or lime wedges for extra flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a side of tortilla chips or a simple green salad.

How to Store Delicious Mexican Chicken & Rice

Cool any leftovers, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving.

Tips to Make Delicious Mexican Chicken & Rice

Ensure you rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which helps prevent it from becoming sticky.
Taste and adjust spices while cooking to match your preference for heat and flavor.
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or more cheese before serving.

Variation

You can easily swap the chicken for chickpeas if you want a vegetarian option. Additionally, feel free to mix in any leftover vegetables you have on hand for added nutrition.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this dish a day before and store it in the fridge. Heat it up before serving for best results.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free rice and vegetable stock.

Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Increase the amount of chili powder or add fresh chilies according to your spice tolerance.