Picante Chicken
Picante Chicken is a flavorful, spicy dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in salsa and broth, served over rice and garnished with fresh tomato, avocado, and cheese. Perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors and a comforting, hearty meal with a touch of heat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and set aside.
- Cook chopped onion and minced garlic in vegetable oil in a 10-inch skillet for 2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and salsa to the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in rice.
- Arrange the chicken breasts over the rice.
- Cover tightly and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, until all liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped tomato, sliced avocado, and cheese.
- Serve with tortilla chips or soft flour tortillas.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the salsa. If you don't have Uncle Ben's rice, any long-grain rice will work well. You can also substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier option. Ensure the skillet is large enough to fit the chicken and rice comfortably to allow even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This Picante Chicken pairs beautifully with tortilla chips or soft flour tortillas for a delightful meal. Consider serving it alongside a side of Mexican Rice or a fresh salad for a complete dinner. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese can also enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to moisten, or microwave in a covered dish until heated through. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Picante Chicken contains roughly 25 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 519mg per serving (23% 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 breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This will help them cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the dish. If you're short on time, you can also cook them straight from frozen, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth or water can be used as substitutes. For added flavor, you can enhance water with bouillon cubes or seasoning. This will keep the dish flavorful while accommodating dietary restrictions.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken breasts with cubed tofu or a can of black beans for protein. Use vegetable broth and ensure that the salsa is meat-free. This variation maintains the essence of the dish while catering to vegetarian 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).