Chili Chicken Dish
A flavorful and hearty chili chicken dish featuring tender chicken breast combined with spicy chili, stewed tomatoes, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect for those craving a spicy, cheesy meal with a hint of vegetables, ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breast halves ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small green sweet pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small red sweet pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can chili (no beans) ⓘ
- 1 (14.5 oz.) can Mexican stewed tomatoes
- 1 bag prepared instant rice
- dash of hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 3/4 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese with peppers ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, sauté the chicken in oil until no longer pink; set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook the chopped onion, green sweet pepper, red sweet pepper, and minced garlic until tender.
- Drain any excess liquid from the skillet.
- Stir in the chili (no beans) and Mexican stewed tomatoes.
- Add the prepared instant rice and a dash of hot pepper sauce, mixing well.
- Arrange the cooked chicken on top of the mixture.
- Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese with peppers before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice and spices before cooking. You can substitute the chicken with turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. If you prefer a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or increase the hot pepper sauce to taste. This dish can be easily made ahead of time and reheated, making it a great option for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili chicken dish over a bed of lettuce for a refreshing crunch or alongside tortilla chips for dipping. It pairs beautifully with Mexican Wedding Cakes for dessert or a side of South Of The Border Dip. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges to brighten the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Chicken Dish contains roughly 162 calories, with 5g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (83% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it's best to thaw it first for even cooking. If you're in a hurry, you can cook the chicken from frozen, but it will take longer to ensure it's fully cooked through.
What can I use instead of instant rice?
If you don't have instant rice, you can use regular long-grain rice. Just be sure to cook it according to package instructions beforehand, as it requires longer cooking time than instant rice.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein, such as tofu or tempeh. Also, ensure the chili and stewed tomatoes you choose are vegetarian-friendly to keep the dish meat-free.
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).