Description
This one-pan chicken and rice recipe is a perfect blend of protein, fiber, and bold flavors. Juicy chicken, hearty rice, fiber-rich beans, and vibrant vegetables come together in a dish that is not only delicious but also simple to make. Seasoned with a blend of cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder, this meal delivers a rich, comforting taste with minimal cleanup. Ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a cozy family dinner, this versatile recipe is easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Rice:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), chopped
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish & Serving:
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Optional toppings: avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, pickled jalapeños
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and season with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is lightly browned (it will finish cooking with the rice).
Step 2: Build the Dish
- Add diced onions, bell peppers, and corn to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in the rice and black beans, mixing everything together.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
- Pour in chicken broth or water, stir well, and bring to a gentle boil.
- Cover, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 18-20 minutes (or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed).
Step 4: Final Touches & Serve
- Fluff the rice with a fork, then drizzle with fresh lime juice and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot with your choice of avocado, cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños as toppings.
Notes
- For extra flavor, cook the rice in chicken broth instead of water.
- Use brown rice for a healthier option but increase the cooking time by 10 minutes.
- Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Storage: Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Reheating: Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to keep the rice from drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired