Mexican Style Chicken And Rice
A flavorful Mexican-style chicken and rice dish with bold spices, fresh cilantro, and tender vegetables, perfect for a hearty family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 chicken, deboned and diced ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- oil ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 large carrot, grated ⓘ
- 5 cups boiling water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chicken soup base ⓘ
- 2 cups rice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves ⓘ
- 1 can stewed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute salt and peppered chicken in a small amount of oil until browned.
- Add chopped onion, cilantro, bell pepper, and grated carrot; saute until tender.
- Add boiling water, chicken soup base, rice, chili powder, minced garlic, stewed tomatoes, and cumin.
- Cover and simmer over medium heat until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice and spices before sautéing. You can substitute quinoa for rice for a healthier option, or use brown rice for added nutrients. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This dish pairs well with sour cream or guacamole for a creamy contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Mexican Style Chicken And Rice hot, garnished with additional cilantro or lime wedges. It pairs well with a side of Spicy Black Beans or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with tortilla chips or warm tortillas for scooping, and it can also be a filling base for Sour Cream Chicken Nachos.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to prevent drying out and microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a lid to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Style Chicken And Rice contains roughly 1793 calories, with 41g protein, 308g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (283% of the Daily Value), and iron (109% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Just be sure to store it properly in the fridge. The flavors often deepen after a day, making it even more delicious when reheated.
What can I use instead of chicken soup base?
If you don't have chicken soup base, you can substitute with chicken broth or stock for a similar flavor. Alternatively, homemade broth can be used if available, providing a richer taste.
Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Zucchini, corn, or even diced potatoes can work well in this dish, adding more texture and flavor.
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).