Santa Fe Chicken And Rice
A flavorful and hearty Mexican-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, savory rice, tangy salsa, and fresh avocado, perfect for satisfying weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt; set aside.
- Cook onion and garlic in vegetable oil in an electric skillet for 2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and red salsa; bring to a boil.
- Stir in rice.
- Arrange chicken breasts over 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 avocado, tomato, and cheddar cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lime juice and spices before cooking. You can substitute Uncle Ben's rice with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option, but adjust cooking times accordingly. If fresh garlic isn't available, garlic powder can be used. This dish can also be topped with cilantro for an added freshness, similar to what you'd find in many Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Santa Fe Chicken and Rice with a side of black beans or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal. You can also enjoy it with tortilla chips and Cheesy Mexican Dip for a fun appetizer. This dish pairs beautifully with Creamy Seafood Enchiladas for a festive dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying and microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it's cooled completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Santa Fe Chicken And Rice contains roughly 17 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 it's important to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. If time is short, you can microwave them on the defrost setting first.
What can I use instead of red salsa?
If you don't have red salsa, you can use diced tomatoes mixed with some chili powder and cumin for a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, green salsa can also work, giving a different yet delicious twist to the dish.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The rice and salsa remain the same, creating a hearty vegetarian dish that's just as satisfying.
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).