Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner into a flavor explosion that'll have your taste buds dancing! 🔥🧀 This Cheesy Chipotle Chicken and Rice recipe is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that combines the smoky heat of chipotle, tender chicken, and gooey melted cheese into one irresistible dish. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that's so easy, even beginner cooks can nail it perfectly. Prepare to become the kitchen hero your family and friends can't stop raving about!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup rice
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 2 tablespoons chipotle sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of diced chicken breast, 1 cup of rice, 1 can of drained black beans, 1 cup of corn, 1 cup of shredded cheese, 2 tablespoons of chipotle sauce, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium-sized pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 cup of rice and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed. Once done, remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
- While the rice is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil if desired, then add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the drained black beans and corn to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the corn is heated through.
- Next, stir in the 2 tablespoons of chipotle sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure the chicken, beans, and corn are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet and mix everything together. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Finally, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top of the chicken and rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once the cheese has melted, remove from heat. Serve the Cheesy Chipotle Chicken and Rice hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or avocado if desired.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always ensure your chicken reaches 165°F internally to guarantee food safety.
- Cheese Melting Trick: For extra-melty cheese, cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes off the heat.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the chipotle sauce quantity to match your spice tolerance.
- Prep Ahead: Dice chicken and measure ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking.
- Optional Enhancements: Add fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor complexity.
- Rice Tip: Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve fluffier results.
- Leftover Magic: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 460kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 50g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 118mg
