Chicken El Paso(Makes 4 Servings)
A flavorful chicken and rice dish topped with melted cheese and salsa, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, blending savory and cheesy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to broil.
- Tenderize the chicken with a tenderizing mallet and season to taste.
- Place the chicken on a broiling pan and broil for 10 minutes on each side.
- While the chicken is broiling, put the rice and water into a medium-sized saucepan.
- Bring the rice and water to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer for 15 minutes.
- Once the rice and chicken are cooked, place a bed of rice on each serving plate.
- Place a broiled chicken breast on each bed of rice.
- Pour a generous amount of salsa (or barbecue sauce) over the chicken and rice.
- Top each serving with 1/4 of the shredded cheese and microwave for 1 minute or until the cheese melts.
- Serve while hot and enjoy!
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider using a zesty salsa or add jalapeños to the dish. If you don't have Colby cheese, Monterey Jack or cheddar make great substitutes. You can also use brown rice for a healthier option, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you're short on time, pre-cooked chicken can be used for a quicker meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken El Paso with a side of black beans or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Soft Chicken Tacos for a fun family dinner. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges to brighten the flavors. This dish can also be enjoyed with tortilla chips as a crunchy side.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and rice in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, ensuring it's heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken El Paso(Makes 4 Servings) contains roughly 846 calories, with 61g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (122% of the Daily Value), calcium (53% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1318mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice and broil the chicken ahead of time. Simply store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, layer them with salsa and cheese, then microwave until heated through.
What can I substitute for salsa?
If salsa isn't your preference, barbecue sauce or a homemade pico de gallo can be used instead. Both options add a different flavor profile that complements the chicken and rice.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can portion out the chicken and rice into meal prep containers, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just add the cheese and salsa when reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).