Mexi-Rice Chicken
A flavorful Mexican-inspired rice dish with crispy bacon, tender chicken, tomatoes, green chilies, and peas, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon in a medium skillet until crispy, then remove and crumble.
- Brown chicken breasts in bacon fat for 5 minutes on each side.
- Remove chicken from skillet and dispose of excess fat.
- Cook Old El Paso Mexican rice according to package instructions, using chicken broth instead of water.
- Add the can of tomatoes and green chilies to the cooked rice.
- Stir in the rinsed and thawed peas.
- Slice the cooked chicken and add it to the rice mixture.
- Top with crumbled bacon before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lime juice and spices before cooking. If you want a spicier kick, add jalapeños or use a spicier variety of tomatoes and green chilies. You can substitute turkey bacon for a leaner option or use brown rice for a healthier twist. Make sure to use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexi-Rice Chicken pairs beautifully with a side salad or tortilla chips for a complete meal. You might also serve it with sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite salsa for added flavor. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside beans or corn. Explore more Mexican recipes to complement this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, you can warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexi-Rice Chicken contains roughly 658 calories, with 42g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (83% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1377mg per serving (60% 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 leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken can save time and still deliver great flavor. Just skip the browning step and add the shredded chicken to the rice mixture once it’s cooked. This is a great way to use up extra chicken from dishes like Mexican Cheddar Chicken.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with additional vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also replace the bacon with smoked tempeh or skip it altogether for a lighter dish while still enjoying the great flavors of the rice and peas.
What can I serve with Mexi-Rice Chicken?
Consider serving it with a refreshing side of Mexican street corn or a simple avocado salad. For a complete Mexican-themed meal, serve with soft tortillas or alongside some spicy beans. This dish also complements a light dessert like flan or churros for a sweet finish.
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).