Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet: A One-Pan Wonder for Busy Nights

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal, this Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet is the perfect solution. It brings together the bold flavors of a taco night favorite while keeping everything conveniently cooked in one pan. With tender chicken, fragrant jasmine rice, vibrant bell peppers, and zesty lime, every bite is packed with Tex-Mex goodness.

This recipe isn’t just about delicious flavors; it’s also about simplicity. By using pantry staples like taco seasoning and chicken broth, you can create a restaurant-quality dish without any complicated techniques. Plus, because everything cooks in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze.

In this article, we’ll explore why this dish is a must-have for your meal rotation, how to customize it, serving ideas, storage tips, and frequently asked questions to help you make the most of this one-pan wonder.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s no shortage of reasons why this Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet deserves a spot in your weeknight lineup. Here’s why it stands out:

1. One-Pan Convenience

Cooking everything in one skillet means less cleanup and fewer dishes. The chicken, rice, and vegetables all come together seamlessly in a single pan, making this the ultimate hassle-free meal.

2. Bursting with Flavor

The combination of taco-seasoned chicken, smoky sautéed vegetables, and tangy lime juice creates layers of rich, savory goodness. The rice absorbs all the flavorful broth, ensuring that every bite is as delicious as the last.

3. A Balanced, Hearty Meal

This dish has it all:

• Protein from the chicken
• Healthy carbs from jasmine rice
• Nutrients and fiber from bell peppers and onions
  It’s a well-rounded meal that will keep you full and energized.

4. Customizable to Your Tastes

Whether you prefer extra spice, a vegetarian twist, or a different type of protein, this dish is incredibly versatile. With a few simple tweaks, you can make it your own (more on that later!).

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

Since the flavors continue to develop overnight, this dish tastes even better the next day. You can prepare a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week without sacrificing taste or texture.

Flavor-Packed Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 3 tbsp avocado oil

For the Rice and Veggies:

• 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ½ yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup white jasmine rice (rinsed and drained)
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• Zest of ½ lime
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro (plus extra for garnish)

Optional Garnishes:

• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Corn tortilla chips
• Sliced jalapeños

Simple Steps to a Satisfying Meal

1. Preheat the Oven

• Set your oven to 350°F.

2. Season and Brown the Chicken

• Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat dry.
• Season thoroughly with salt and taco seasoning.
• Heat avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
• Sear chicken for 3 minutes per side until golden brown (it will finish cooking in the oven).
• Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

3. Cook the Vegetables

• Reduce heat to medium, then sauté bell peppers, onion, and garlic for 4 minutes until softened.

4. Toast the Rice

• Add the jasmine rice, salt, and taco seasoning to the skillet.
• Stir and toast the rice until lightly golden and fragrant (about 2 minutes).

5. Build the Base

• Stir in lime zest, lime juice, chicken broth, and cilantro.
• Bring to a gentle simmer.

6. Bake to Perfection

• Nestle the browned chicken back into the skillet.
• Cover and transfer to the oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
• Uncover and continue baking for 8-10 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

7. Finish and Serve

• Remove from the oven and fluff the rice with a fork.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and your favorite toppings.
• Serve with guacamole, sour cream, and tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approx. 450
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fats: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: Varies based on taco seasoning choice

How to Customize Your Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some easy ways to switch things up based on your preferences or dietary needs:

1. Make It Spicier

If you love heat, add:

• Diced jalapeños when cooking the vegetables
• Extra chili powder or cayenne to the taco seasoning
• A few dashes of hot sauce before serving

2. Use a Different Protein

While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for their tenderness, you can substitute:

• Chicken breast (for a leaner option)
• Ground turkey or beef (for a heartier variation)
• Shrimp (add it towards the end of cooking for a seafood twist)

3. Go Vegetarian

Skip the chicken and instead:

• Add an extra can of black beans or pinto beans
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth
• Include extra zucchini, mushrooms, or corn for added texture

4. Swap the Rice

Jasmine rice is delicious, but you can experiment with:

• Brown rice (increase the cooking time and liquid slightly)
• Quinoa (for extra protein and fiber)
• Cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option; reduce the broth amount)

5. Cheese Lover’s Edition

To make this dish even more indulgent, stir in a handful of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese before serving.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet

While this dish is a complete meal on its own, you can enhance it with a few extra touches:

1. With a Side of Guacamole

A dollop of fresh guacamole brings a creamy, rich contrast to the bold spices of the dish.

2. Topped with Sour Cream

If you love a bit of tang, a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cooling balance to the heat.

3. Wrapped in Tortillas

Scoop the chicken and rice into warm flour or corn tortillas for a delicious taco-style meal.

4. Served with a Salad

A simple avocado and tomato salad with a lime vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the dish.

5. With Crunchy Tortilla Chips

For a fun texture contrast, serve with crispy tortilla chips—perfect for scooping up bites of rice and chicken.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This dish is great for leftovers, and proper storage ensures it stays fresh:

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• The flavors deepen over time, making it even better the next day.

Freezing:

• Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months.
• When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to revive the texture.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of broth or water, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the entire dish in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving, adding a little broth if necessary to keep it moist.

2. Do I have to use jasmine rice?

No, but jasmine rice works best for its light, fluffy texture. If substituting, adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.

3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! To adapt this for a slow cooker:

• Brown the chicken and sauté the veggies before adding everything to the slow cooker.
• Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.

4. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, if using rotisserie or leftover shredded chicken, skip the browning step and add it in with the rice and broth to heat through.

5. How can I keep the rice from getting mushy?

To prevent mushy rice:

• Rinse it thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch.
• Use the right amount of liquid—too much broth can overcook the rice.
• Let the rice rest for a few minutes after baking before fluffing with a fork.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Recipe for Any Occasion

This Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet is a game-changer for weeknight dinners. It’s easy to make, loaded with flavor, and completely customizable to suit any taste. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

The one-pan convenience, combined with bold taco flavors and a satisfying mix of chicken and rice, makes it a go-to recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Plus, with so many ways to customize it, you’ll never get bored!

Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to pair it with your favorite toppings and sides. Whether you serve it as-is, in tacos, or with crunchy tortilla chips, one thing’s for sure—it’s bound to be a new favorite on your dinner table!