Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner that the whole family will love, let me introduce you to my Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet! This dish is not just easy to make, but it also brings all the vibrant flavors of tacos into one hearty skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed family gathering, this recipe has quickly become a staple in our home.

What I adore about this Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet is how it combines tender chicken thighs with colorful veggies and fluffy rice. It’s comforting yet healthy, making it an ideal choice for meal prep or any night when you crave something familiar and satisfying. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that can be served straight from the skillet?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep time and one-pan cooking, you can have dinner on the table in no time.
• Family-Friendly: The bright colors and delicious flavors make this meal appealing to kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily modify ingredients based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.
• Nourishing & Flavorful: Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s both filling and nutritious.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet reheats beautifully, making it great for lunch the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet. All these ingredients are simple and wholesome, making dinner both tasty and nutritious.

For the Chicken

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning

For the Veggies

• 3 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 small red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
• 1 small green bell pepper (thinly sliced)
• ½ yellow onion (thinly sliced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)

For the Rice

• 1 cup white jasmine rice (rinsed well and drained)
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• Zest of ½ lime
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth

For Garnish

• ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro leaves (plus more for garnish)
• Guacamole
• Sour cream (omit to keep dairy-free)
• Corn tortilla chips
• Sliced jalapenos

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or what you have in your pantry. Here are some fun variations:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken instead of chicken thighs for a different flavor profile.
• Add more veggies: Toss in zucchini or corn for added nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: Add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if your family enjoys some heat!
• Try different grains: Substitute jasmine rice with quinoa or brown rice for a twist on texture.

How to Make Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350℉. This step is crucial as it ensures that your dish cooks evenly throughout.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a large bowl, season the chicken thighs with kosher salt and taco seasoning. This gives them an incredible flavor right from the start. Make sure every piece is well-coated!

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In an oven-safe skillet, heat avocado oil over medium heat. Add sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until they soften—about 5 minutes. Sautéing brings out their natural sweetness, which balances perfectly with the spices.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Push the veggies to one side of the skillet and add chicken thighs. Cook until they’re browned on both sides—about 4-5 minutes per side. Browning adds depth of flavor that enhances every bite.

Step 5: Combine Rice & Liquid

Stir in rinsed jasmine rice, additional taco seasoning, lime zest, lime juice, chicken broth, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Bake in Oven

Transfer your skillet to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered until rice is tender—around 20-25 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together while ensuring perfectly cooked rice!

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Once ready, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top. Serve warm with guacamole, corn tortilla chips, sliced jalapeños, or whatever toppings make you smile!

Enjoy creating this lovely Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet—it’s sure to become a favorite at your table too!

Pro Tips for Making Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet

Creating a delicious Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet is a breeze with these handy tips that will elevate your dish to the next level!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs can make a significant difference in flavor. Opt for vibrant peppers and freshly chopped cilantro to bring out the best in your skillet.

• Customize your spice level: If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to adjust the taco seasoning or add sliced jalapeños directly into the skillet. This flexibility allows you to create a dish that suits your taste perfectly.

• Prep ahead for easy meals: Consider marinating the chicken thighs in taco seasoning for a couple of hours (or overnight) before cooking. This not only enhances the flavor but also makes weeknight cooking quicker and easier!

• Don’t skip rinsing the rice: Rinsing the jasmine rice helps remove excess starch, preventing it from becoming gummy during cooking. This simple step ensures each grain is fluffy and perfect.

• Make it a one-pan meal: You can cook everything in one skillet, which means less cleanup! Just make sure your skillet is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients without crowding.

How to Serve Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet

Serving your Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet can be just as fun as making it! Here are some delightful ideas to present this dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of finely chopped cilantro adds color and fresh flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
• Lime wedges: Serving lime wedges on the side allows everyone to add an extra burst of citrusy brightness according to their taste.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing mix of grilled corn, avocado, lime juice, and spices that pairs well with the flavors of your skillet.
• Guacamole: Creamy and rich, guacamole is a must-have dip that adds a delicious contrast to the savory chicken and rice.
• Black Bean Salad: A hearty salad made with black beans, corn, and tomatoes tossed in a zesty dressing. It provides protein while adding a colorful touch to your meal.
• Crispy Corn Tortilla Chips: Perfect for scooping up all those tasty ingredients or enjoying alongside as a crunchy snack.

With these serving suggestions, your Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet will be not only satisfying but also visually appealing. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet is a fantastic option for meal prep! It’s easy to make in advance, and the flavors only get better as it sits. Here’s how to store and prepare it for later.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover skillet in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• You can also use a microwave: place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat until warm, stirring halfway through.
• Add a splash of broth or water if needed to maintain moisture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet!

Can I make Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for quick meals throughout the week.

How do I customize my Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like zucchini or corn. You can also adjust the spice level by adding more jalapenos or using a spicier taco seasoning!

Is Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet suitable for kids?

Yes! This recipe is kid-friendly with its mild flavors and fun toppings. You can serve it with tortilla chips on the side for extra crunch!

How long does Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet last in the fridge?

It will last about 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet as much as I do! It’s not only a crowd-pleaser but also wonderfully versatile, allowing you to express your creativity with toppings. Whether it’s for dinner or meal prep, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!