Fiesta Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/2 medium yellow onion)
or red onion, chopped (about 1 cup
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried dillweed
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
use 1/4 teaspoon or less if sensitive to spice
- 1 medium red bell pepper
cored and chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper
cored and chopped
- 1 can reduced-sodium black beans rinsed and drained)
(15 ounces
- 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes in their juices)
(15 ounces
- 1 1/2 cups instant brown rice*)
do not use white minute rice or regular rice as these will cook differently (see note
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock
- 3/4 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
- Optional for serving: chopped fresh cilantro
), diced avocado, plain nonfat Greek yogurt (or sour cream
Directions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, onion, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dill, salt, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Sauté, stirring often, for 3 minutes, until the chicken begins to brown on the outside.
- 2
Stir in the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, black beans, tomatoes, rice, and chicken stock.
- 3
Bring to a boil, and then cover and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, or until the chicken is done and the rice is nearly tender. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed.
- 4
Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Sprinkle with cheese and any additional desired toppings. Serve warm.
Fiesta Chicken
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About this Recipe
Tired of spending your evenings cooking and cleaning? This healthy one-pan Fiesta Chicken and rice recipe is your answer for a vibrant, flavorful meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Why This Fiesta Chicken Recipe Works
The magic of this Fiesta Chicken dish lies in its sheer simplicity and fantastic flavor payoff. By cooking everything in a single pan, you minimize cleanup while allowing all the bold spices like paprika and cumin to meld beautifully with the chicken, instant brown rice, and vegetables. It’s a smart way to get a complete, wholesome meal on the table without fuss.
What to Expect
Prepare for a hearty, satisfying meal brimming with savory, slightly spicy, and smoky notes. Tender pieces of chicken are complemented by sweet bell peppers and hearty black beans, all bound together by fluffy instant brown rice and finished with a blanket of gooey, melted cheddar cheese. The cayenne pepper adds a gentle warmth that makes each bite exciting, while the optional fresh cilantro and creamy avocado provide a burst of freshness and texture.
This dish is designed for ease, delivering complex flavors without any complicated techniques. You'll love how the spices bloom, creating an aromatic foundation for the entire meal. It's a colorful and comforting dish that feels substantial yet surprisingly light, thanks to the brown rice and lean chicken.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper to suit your palate; a quarter teaspoon or less is ideal if you’re sensitive to heat. While the recipe calls for red and green bell peppers, any color will work well. You can also swap the yellow onion for red onion to slightly vary the flavor profile. For an extra pop of flavor, try different shredded cheeses like a Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend instead of just cheddar.
Serving & Context
This Fiesta Chicken is ideal for a lively weeknight family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Serve it hot, straight from the pan, with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a dollop of plain nonfat Greek yogurt or sour cream for a refreshing creamy contrast.