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One Pan Mexican Rice with Chicken

Now that the clocks have sprung forward, I swear my kids’ activities are lasting later and later. That means a quick but healthy dinner is in order. This recipe fits both requirements. One pan equals fewer dishes to wash; it is quick to throw together and to cook. Plus, it has hidden vegetables for those picky eaters. Each person can customize their bowl with their favorite toppings too! 

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One Pan Mexican Rice with Chicken

Ingredients

  •  2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  •  1/2 white onion, diced finely
  •  1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
  •  Salt and pepper to taste
  •  2 cloves of minced garlic
  •  1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice
  • 1 cup frozen riced cauliflower
  •  1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
  •  1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes, undrained
  •  1 cup water
  •  1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  •  1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican-blend cheese
  •  (optional) Toppings: sour cream, tomatoes, diced avocado, cilantro, salsa

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet or pan (about 12-inch), sauté onions in tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
  3. Once onions soften, increase the heat to medium-high and add chicken to the pan.
  4. Brown the chicken pieces and add the garlic. Cook for about 1 more minute.
  5. Push chicken to one side of the pan and add the other tablespoon of olive oil to the other side.
  6. Add the uncooked rice to the olive oil and sauté it for a couple of minutes.
  7. Add the enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, riced cauliflower, water and cumin. Stir to combine. Bring mixture to a boil then lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pan with a lid.
  8. Cook chicken and rice mixture covered for about 20-30 minutes or until rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed making sure to stir occasionally.
  9. Sprinkle cheese on top and cover with a lid, letting it sit for 1-2 minutes or until cheese has melted.
  10. Top with desired toppings and eat!


Recipe Notes:

  • If you would rather have all rice, increase the amount of rice to 1 cup and leave out the cauliflower. Decrease the time of simmering to 15 minutes.

This dish is a family favorite! The kids can’t taste the cauliflower and I’m happy knowing they are eating some vegetables. I love to top mine with Greek yogurt, guacamole salsa and hot sauce.

Recipe adapted from https://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/one-pan-mexican-chicken-rice/

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