If you’re searching for a vibrant and comforting meal that packs bold flavors and satisfying textures, look no further than this Fiesta Chicken Skillet with Rice, Beans, and Cheese Recipe. It’s a one-pan wonder that brings together tender chicken, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and fluffy rice, all nestled under a blanket of melty cheese. With every bite, you’ll experience a fiesta of flavors that’s perfect for a family dinner or a lively gathering with friends. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up any night of the week, making it one of those go-to recipes that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Fiesta Chicken Skillet with Rice, Beans, and Cheese Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to create a colorful and flavorful meal. Each item plays an important role, whether adding richness, spice, texture, or freshness.
- Butter: Provides a rich base for sautéing the chicken and veggies, adding a subtle creaminess.
- Chicken breasts: Cut into cubes for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed.
- Red bell pepper: Brings a pop of vibrant color and a hint of natural sweetness.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the rice and beans with savory flavor while keeping everything moist.
- Taco seasoning: The secret spice blend that gives this dish its signature fiesta flavor.
- Petite diced tomatoes: Adds juiciness and a touch of acidity to balance the richness.
- Diced green chilies: Offers a mild heat and subtle tang to enhance the overall profile.
- Frozen corn: Brings bursts of sweetness and texture throughout the dish.
- Black beans: Protein-packed and hearty, adding bulk and earthiness.
- Long grain white rice: Cooks up fluffy and soaks up all the flavorful liquids perfectly.
- Cilantro: Fresh and herbaceous, stirred in at the end for brightness.
- Colby jack cheese: Melts beautifully on top to create a luscious, ooey-gooey finish.
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, guacamole, jalapenos, and extra cilantro customize the dish to your liking.
How to Make Fiesta Chicken Skillet with Rice, Beans, and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Prep the Chicken
Begin by melting butter in a deep skillet over medium heat. This not only prevents sticking but also imparts a lovely richness that sets the stage for the rest of the dish. Meanwhile, season your cubed chicken with salt and black pepper, ensuring every piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Add the chicken cubes to the skillet and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until all sides have a gorgeous golden-brown color. This step locks in juices and develops a delicious crust. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. This keeps the chicken perfectly cooked and ready to return to the skillet later.
Step 3: Cook the Onion and Bell Pepper
In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion and red bell pepper. Let them cook for around 3 to 4 minutes until the onion turns translucent and the bell pepper softens up just enough to release their natural sweetness. This aromatic base builds the flavor profile you crave in this Fiesta Chicken Skillet with Rice, Beans, and Cheese Recipe.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle in the taco seasoning. Add the petite diced tomatoes with their juices along with the diced green chilies. Stir everything together well. This liquid mixture will be the cooking medium and flavor powerhouse for your rice and beans, soaking into every grain and crevice.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients and Simmer
Return the chicken back into the skillet along with frozen corn, black beans, and the uncooked rice. Give it a thorough stir so all ingredients are evenly mixed. Taste the seasoning and add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. Bring this cozy medley to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until the rice is tender and has soaked up most of the flavorful broth.
Step 6: Finish with Cilantro and Cheese
Once your rice is perfectly cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness. Next, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded Colby jack cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for five minutes. This resting time lets the cheese melt into a smooth, gooey layer that makes this dish utterly irresistible.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Your Fiesta Chicken Skillet with Rice, Beans, and Cheese Recipe is now ready to dazzle. Spoon it onto plates while it’s warm and melty. Add your favorite optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, jalapenos, or more cilantro for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Fiesta Chicken Skillet with Rice, Beans, and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes elevate this dish beyond a simple skillet meal. A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and a cooling effect against the spice. Fresh guacamole lends silkiness and richness, while sliced jalapenos deliver a zesty kick. Load on extra cilantro for vibrant green color and fresh herbal notes that brighten every bite.
Side Dishes
Though this Fiesta Chicken Skillet with Rice, Beans, and Cheese Recipe is a full meal on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or a side of warm tortillas makes it extra special. A crunchy slaw with lime dressing offers a refreshing contrast, and homemade salsa or pico de gallo on the side complements the dish’s bold flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this skillet meal family-style straight from the pan at the table and let everyone help themselves. You can layer it in a large casserole dish and bake briefly if you want a bubbly cheese crust on top. Another idea is to spoon it into warmed taco shells or stuffed peppers for a creative presentation that’s sure to impress guests or family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Fiesta Chicken Skillet with Rice, Beans, and Cheese Recipe makes excellent leftovers. Transfer any unused portions to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making for quick, satisfying meals later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover portions for longer storage. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out, then cover and warm until heated through. Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top while reheating for that fresh-melted experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! While black beans are traditional and tasty, you can swap in pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas depending on your preference. Just be sure they’re cooked or canned and drained before adding.
Is this recipe spicy?
This dish has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the taco seasoning and diced green chilies. If you prefer it spicier, consider adding fresh jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper. For less heat, you can reduce the green chilies or use a mild taco seasoning mix.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or extra beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and follow the same cooking steps for a hearty vegetarian feast.
What type of rice works best?
Long grain white rice is ideal because it cooks up fluffy and absorbs flavors well. You can try brown rice, but it will need a longer cooking time and possibly more liquid. Adjust accordingly if you make substitutions.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance and reheat it later?
Definitely! This Fiesta Chicken Skillet with Rice, Beans, and Cheese Recipe actually develops deeper flavors when made ahead. Just reheat gently when ready to serve and add fresh toppings for that just-cooked touch.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say that the Fiesta Chicken Skillet with Rice, Beans, and Cheese Recipe quickly becomes a family favorite. It’s fuss-free, packed with incredible flavor, and hits the spot every time. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this dish delivers that perfect blend of comfort and excitement. Give it a try and watch it disappear fast from your plate and everyone else’s too!
Print
Fiesta Chicken Skillet with Rice, Beans, and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Description
Fiesta Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful one-pot skillet dish featuring tender chicken cubes sautéed with onions and bell peppers, simmered with tomatoes, black beans, corn, and rice in a spiced chicken broth. Topped with melted Colby jack cheese and fresh cilantro, it’s a comforting and festive meal perfect for a quick and hearty dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 ounce taco seasoning
- 15 ounces petite diced tomatoes with juices
- 4 ounces diced green chilies
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups Colby jack cheese, shredded
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Jalapenos
- Additional cilantro
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a deep skillet with a fitting lid, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken cubes with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper evenly.
- Sauté Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the skillet and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the bell pepper softens slightly.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Stir in chicken broth, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with juices, and diced green chilies. Mix them together well.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add frozen corn, black beans, and rice. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Season to Taste: Taste the mixture and add additional salt and black pepper if desired.
- Simmer: Bring the skillet contents to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and cover with the lid. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add Cilantro: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Colby jack cheese evenly over the top, cover the skillet again, and let it sit for 5 minutes so the cheese melts completely.
- Serve: Serve the Fiesta Chicken hot, garnished with optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, jalapenos, or extra cilantro. Enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure chicken is browned well for best flavor before simmering.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
- Adjust taco seasoning level according to your spice preference.
- Use fresh cilantro for vibrant flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat thoroughly before serving.
- For gluten-free option, verify that taco seasoning is gluten-free.
