This One-Pan Chicken Fajita Rice is a delicious and convenient meal that combines the bold flavors of fajitas with the comforting texture of rice. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, featuring tender rotisserie chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a creamy, cheesy finish. The entire dish is cooked in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Topped with fresh garnishes like sour cream, guacamole, and diced tomatoes, this meal is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- Base:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 white onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 (4.5 ounce) can Old El Paso diced green chiles
- Juice of one lime (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Diced tomato
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers. Cook for a few minutes until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Toast the Rice:
- Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the skillet. Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter on the empty side. Add the rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat the rice in butter.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the sour cream, shredded chicken, diced green chiles, lime juice, salt, cumin, and chili powder. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cook the Rice:
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Check occasionally and add more broth if needed to ensure the rice cooks through.
- Add the Cheese:
- Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet with the lid again and let the cheese melt.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve the chicken fajita rice with additional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, and more cilantro.
Tips
- Vegetable Prep: Dice the vegetables evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Rice Cooking: If the rice isn’t tender after the initial cooking time, add a bit more broth and continue to simmer until done.
- Cheese Melt: For an extra cheesy dish, feel free to add more shredded cheddar on top before serving.
- Freshness: Adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a handful of chopped cilantro right before serving enhances the dish’s flavor.
- Variations: You can substitute the rotisserie chicken with cooked shrimp or beef strips for a different take on this dish.
Enjoy this easy, flavorful One-Pan Chicken Fajita Rice for a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
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