Description
Easy Mexican Chicken Rice is a fast, one‑pot Mexican‑style dinner that combines tender chicken, seasoned rice, black beans, corn, and juicy tomatoes, all simmered with aromatic taco seasoning and a splash of grape juice. The dish finishes with melted cheese and optional fresh cilantro or avocado for bright flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal‑prep, and budget‑friendly cooking, this recipe serves four and delivers comforting, bold Mexican taste in under an hour. Add lime wedges for a zesty f
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup grape juice
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add the diced chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, then pour in the grape juice. Simmer for a couple of minutes until the chicken finishes cooking and the flavors meld.
- Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Mix well and heat through.
- Fold the cooked rice into the skillet, stirring gently to combine all components.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and let sit for 3–5 minutes until the cheese melts. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro or avocado if desired.
Notes
- For extra heat
- add sliced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne. Substitute smoked beef for chicken for a richer flavor. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of grape juice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-pot
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
Keywords: Easy Mexican Chicken Rice, quick Mexican rice recipe, one pot chicken dinner, easy weeknight meals, taco seasoning rice, budget friendly chicken rice