Easy Mexican Chicken
A quick and flavorful Mexican-inspired chicken dish with peppers, onions, salsa, and melted cheese, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute green pepper and onion in oil until tender-crisp.
- Add chicken; cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink (8 to 10 minutes).
- Add corn, chicken broth, salsa, and brown rice; bring to a boil.
- Cover, lower heat, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, let stand for 5 minutes, then stir.
- Add grated Cheddar cheese on top, replace lid, and let stand until cheese has melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or chili powder to the chicken while cooking. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great substitute for cut-up chicken. You can also use quinoa or white rice instead of brown rice for a different texture. Feel free to include black beans or diced tomatoes for added nutrition. This dish is versatile, much like other Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Easy Mexican Chicken with a side of warm tortillas or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Nachos - Meets The Four F'S (Fine Finger Football Food) for a fun gathering. Top with additional salsa, avocado, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor. It's also fantastic for meal prep or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water or broth if it seems dry, to keep the rice from sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Mexican Chicken contains roughly 1619 calories, with 53g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 134g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (174% of the Daily Value), calcium (109% of the Daily Value), and protein (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2362mg per serving (103% 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 use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Be sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. Alternatively, you can cook the chicken from frozen by increasing the sauté time until it reaches a safe internal temperature.
What can I substitute for salsa?
If you don't have salsa on hand, diced tomatoes with green chilies or even a homemade tomato sauce mixed with spices can work well. Adding some lime juice and chopped fresh cilantro can also mimic the fresh flavor of salsa.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with a mix of beans like black beans or pinto beans and add more vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers. This vegetarian version will still be hearty and flavorful, making it a great alternative for plant-based diets.
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).