Fiesta Chicken is a One-Dish Wonder That Comes Together in 30 Minutes
This flavor-packed weeknight dinner only takes 25 minutes from start to finish.
Serves4
Prep5 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Fiesta chicken is a one-dish wonder when it comes to mealtime. Everything is prepared in a single skillet and is ready to serve in about 20 minutes. With plenty of veggies, chicken, beans, and brown rice, it’s a balanced meal that checks all the boxes.
Because each serving can be customized with your own favorite toppings, this dish a guaranteed hit around the dinner table. If you want to spice things up a bit, add some jalapeño pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. If you prefer a milder meal, a dollop of sour cream and diced avocado might be more your speed. No matter how you like to top your portion, it’s a party on a plate!
What Type of Chicken Do I Use for Fiesta Chicken?
You will need 1 pound of chicken to make fiesta chicken. Here I used about 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, you could use the equivalent weight of boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the recipe.
How to Freeze and Store Fiesta Chicken
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and rewarm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, with a splash of chicken stock or water to keep it from drying out.
Fiesta Chicken Toppings:
Just before serving, sprinkle fiesta chicken with plenty of cheese. However, if you are looking for a dairy-free meal, this cheese can certainly be omitted. After that, anything is possible when it comes to toppings. Offer a variety at the dinner table so everyone can customize their own plate.
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Sliced pickled jalapeños
- Hot sauce
- Sour cream or Mexican crema
- Sliced or diced avocado
How to Serve Fiesta Chicken
Fiesta chicken can be served directly out of the skillet used for cooking, placed on a trivet in the center of the table so that everyone can serve themselves. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself coming back for seconds!
Fiesta Chicken Recipe
This flavor-packed weeknight dinner only takes 25 minutes from start to finish.
Prep time 5 minutes
Cook time 20 minutes
Serves 4
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
- 1
medium red bell pepper
- 1
medium green bell pepper
- 1
small yellow onion
- 1 pound
boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 teaspoon
kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons
vegetable oil
- 1 (1-ounce) packet
taco seasoning mix
- 1 (about 15-ounce) can
black beans
- 1 (15-ounce) can
diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups
instant brown rice
- 1 cup
low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/3 cup
shredded Mexican cheese blend
Serving options:
Chopped fresh cilantro
Diced avocado
Sour cream
Pickled jalapeño slices
Instructions
Core and seed 1 medium red pepper and 1 medium green bell pepper. Cut into 1/4-inch-wide strips. Dice 1 small yellow onion (about 1 cup). Cut 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into 1-inch pieces and season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken, onion, peppers, and 1 packet taco seasoning mix. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables start to soften, 5 to 8 minutes. Meanwhile, rinse and drain 1 can black beans.
Add the black beans, 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes and their juices, 1 1/2 cups instant brown rice, and 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes more to absorb the remaining liquid.
Sprinkle with 1/3 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend and garnish with desired toppings.
Recipe Notes
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
This post originally ran on Kitchn. See it there: Fiesta Chicken