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Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet is a bold, flavorful one-pan meal made with juicy chicken thighs, fragrant jasmine rice, and zesty toppings. This easy weeknight dinner comes together quickly and is sure to become a family favorite!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs

  • 1 tsp kosher salt

  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning

  • 3 tbsp avocado oil

For the Rice & Veggies:

  • 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced

  • 1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced

  • ½ yellow onion, thinly sliced

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 cup white jasmine rice, rinsed and drained

  • ¼ tsp kosher salt

  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning

  • Zest of ½ lime

  • 2 tbsp lime juice

  • 1½ cups chicken broth

  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus extra for garnish

Optional Toppings:

  • Guacamole

  • Sour cream or dairy-free alternative

  • Corn tortilla chips

  • Sliced jalapeños


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Trim excess fat from chicken thighs and pat dry. Season with salt and taco seasoning.

  3. Heat avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken about 3 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.

  4. Lower heat to medium. Add peppers, onion, and garlic. Sauté until tender, about 4 minutes.

  5. Stir in rice, salt, and taco seasoning. Cook for 2 minutes to toast.

  6. Add broth, lime zest, lime juice, and cilantro. Bring to a simmer.

  7. Nestle chicken into the rice mixture. Cover tightly and bake for 25 minutes.

  8. Uncover and bake 8–10 minutes more until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.

  9. Fluff rice, garnish with cilantro, and serve with desired toppings.


Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.

  • For added spice, include sliced jalapeños in the veggie mix.

  • Swap chicken thighs for breasts or tofu for a vegetarian option.

  • Great for meal prep—leftovers keep well for up to 4 days.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 470 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Protein: 30 g