Light Style Chicken Mexicana
Light Style Chicken Mexicana features tender chicken breasts cooked with green peppers and onions, topped with melted cheese and spicy picante sauce, perfect for a flavorful, quick meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle chicken breasts with garlic salt.
- Heat margarine in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken breasts; cook for 5 minutes.
- Turn chicken breasts over.
- Add chopped green onions and green pepper around the edges of the chicken.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until chicken is tender.
- Place hot cooked rice on a serving platter.
- Remove chicken from skillet and place over rice; keep warm.
- Add picante sauce and processed cheese to the skillet.
- Cook and stir until cheese is melted and sauce is hot.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice and spices before cooking. If you're looking for a lighter option, consider using low-fat cheese or skipping it altogether. You can also substitute brown rice for a healthier grain. To save time, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of raw. This dish pairs beautifully with Easy White Chicken Enchiladas for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of refried beans or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal. Top with avocado slices or fresh cilantro for extra flavor. For a fun twist, consider serving with tortilla chips or pairing it with Chicken Nacho Casserole to create a fiesta-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers 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 on medium power until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Light Style Chicken Mexicana contains roughly 311 calories, with 25g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. At about 311 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even cooking. This can be done overnight in the refrigerator or using the defrost setting on your microwave.
What can I substitute for picante sauce?
If you don't have picante sauce, try using salsa or a homemade mixture of diced tomatoes, onion, and jalapeño for a fresh alternative. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables or tofu marinated in the same spices. Use a plant-based cheese to keep the dish creamy and flavorful, making it a delicious vegetarian alternative.
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).