Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice

One-pan skillet meal combining tender chicken, zesty tomatoes, and gooey cheese for family-friendly comfort.

Comfort food doesn’t get easier or more satisfying than this cheesy chicken taco rice skillet. With only one pan to clean, it’s a weeknight win that blends juicy chicken, Tex-Mex flavors, and molten cheese in every bite. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something hearty and flavorful, this dish checks all the boxes.

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 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pan Wonder – Less cleanup, more flavor.

• Ready in 30 Minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights.

• Customizable Heat – Adjust the spice to your liking.

• Creamy, Cheesy Goodness – Thanks to the melted Colby Jack topping.

• Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike will devour it.

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 Ingredients (US Cups & Measures)

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this skillet magic happen:

• 2 cups cubed chicken breast (about 1 lb)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 teaspoons chili powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon dried cilantro

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 1¼ cups diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)

• 1 cup tomato sauce

• 1½ cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked & rinsed

• 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese

• Sour cream, for topping

• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

• Southwest Ranch sauce (optional, for a creamy tangy drizzle)

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 How to Make Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breast. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and dried cilantro. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is opaque and lightly browned. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet—it will finish cooking with the rice.

2. Build the Sauce

Once your chicken has some nice color, add in the minced garlic and stir until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Then pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies (including juices), tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir everything together well, scraping up any flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet.

3. Add and Cook the Rice

Stir in the rinsed long-grain white rice. Make sure it’s evenly spread in the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let everything simmer for 15–20 minutes. Check at the 15-minute mark—you’re looking for tender rice and most of the liquid to be absorbed.

If the liquid evaporates too quickly and the rice isn’t fully cooked, add another splash of broth or water and let it continue simmering.

4. Add the Cheese

Once the rice is cooked and everything is thickened up nicely, sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and let the cheese melt for 2–3 minutes. If you want a bubbly, golden top, place the uncovered skillet under your oven’s broiler for 1–2 minutes. Keep a close eye—it browns fast!

5. Garnish and Serve

Spoon into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. Sour cream and fresh chopped cilantro are classic, but Southwest Ranch sauce adds a next-level creamy zing. Add avocado slices, crushed tortilla chips, or jalapeño rings if you’re feeling extra.

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 Preparation & Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 6 generous portions

• Calories: Approx. 480 kcal per serving

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Tips & Tricks for Success

 Customize the Spice Level

The chili powder and green chilies give it a kick, but you can adjust it easily. Want it hotter? Add ½ teaspoon cayenne or fresh jalapeños. For a milder version, use plain diced tomatoes instead of those with green chilies.

 Swap the Rice

Prefer brown rice? No problem. Increase the liquid by ¼ cup and cook for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the rice is tender. You can also try jasmine or basmati for a different flavor.

 Make It Even Creamier

Add ¼ cup softened cream cheese or sour cream to the mix before adding the shredded cheese. Stir until melted and creamy. This creates a smooth, decadent texture reminiscent of restaurant-style taco casseroles.

 Add More Toppings

This dish is a blank canvas for your favorite taco toppings. Try:

• Avocado or guacamole

• Crushed tortilla chips

• Diced red onion

• Pickled jalapeños

• Shredded lettuce

 Leftovers & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water to refresh the rice. It’s also delicious rolled into a burrito or served in a taco shell!

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 Make It Your Own – Variations

1. Mexican Street Corn Twist

Stir in ½ cup of drained canned corn or roasted fresh corn for sweetness and crunch. A sprinkle of cotija cheese on top is the perfect finish.

2. Bean Boost

Add 1 can of drained black beans or pinto beans when you stir in the broth and tomatoes. This ups the fiber and protein for a heartier meal.

3. Southwest Chicken Casserole

Transfer the cooked mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes. It becomes a crispy-topped casserole!

4. Creamy Cheddar Version

Swap Colby Jack for sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack. Stir in a bit of sour cream for an ultra-rich, cheesy experience.

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 What to Serve with Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice

This dish is plenty hearty on its own, but if you’re serving a crowd or want to balance things out, here are a few great side ideas:

• Simple Green Salad – With lime vinaigrette

• Elote (Mexican Street Corn)

• Fresh Mango Salsa

• Crispy Tortilla Chips + Salsa or Queso

• Roasted Vegetables

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 Meal Prep & Freezer Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can cube and season the chicken a day ahead and store it in the fridge.

• Freeze: Let the cooked rice cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months.

• Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of broth.

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 Scaling the Recipe

• For a Crowd: Double all ingredients and cook in a Dutch oven or large deep skillet.

• For Two: Halve everything and store the extra half of the canned ingredients for another use.

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 Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approx.)

Note: Values are estimates and can vary based on brands used and portion size.

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 Why It Works

This recipe excels because of its balance. The acidity of tomatoes cuts through the richness of the cheese, while spices like chili powder and cumin bring bold warmth. Chicken breast adds lean protein, and rice makes it filling without being heavy. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes part of your regular rotation because it’s:

• Quick

• Customizable

• Packed with flavor

• Family-approved

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 Final Thoughts

Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice is more than just another skillet meal — it’s a fiesta in a pan that delivers bold taste with minimal effort. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a family, or just need a quick dinner idea, this recipe will never let you down.

Keep it simple or make it your own with custom toppings and variations. One thing’s for sure: you’ll be scooping seconds and scraping the skillet clean.