Tex-Mex Chicken And Rice
A flavorful Tex-Mex chicken and rice dish featuring velveta cheese, pinto beans, and fresh cilantro, perfect for a hearty and cheesy family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cover.
- Cook on medium-high heat for 4 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet.
- Add pinto beans, chicken broth, and salsa to the skillet.
- Stir-fry the mixture and bring to a boil.
- Stir in white rice and Velveeta cheese.
- Top with cooked chicken.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with chopped cilantro before serving, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using cream cheese or sour cream instead of Velveeta. You can also swap pinto beans for black beans or kidney beans for a different flavor profile. To save time, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. If you want more heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. This dish is a great way to use up leftover rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice with a side of tortilla chips and fresh salsa for a complete meal. A simple green salad or guacamole can also complement the dish nicely. For an extra kick, consider pairing it with a refreshing margarita. This dish is great for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover, microwaving in 1-2 minute increments until heated through. You can also reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the dish moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tex-Mex Chicken And Rice contains roughly 12 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 0g 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 brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. You may need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of chicken broth accordingly to ensure the rice is fully cooked.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more beans or vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the spice level, consider adding diced jalapeños, a teaspoon of chili powder, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the skillet when cooking the beans and broth. You could also use a spicy salsa for an extra kick.
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).