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
Scale
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.
