One-Pan Chicken Fajita Rice

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

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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!