If you’re craving the flavors of a cheesy burrito but want to skip the tortilla, this Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet is the answer! It’s a simple, one-pan dish that’s both comforting and full of vibrant Tex-Mex flavors. Featuring tender chicken, rice, beans, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a meal the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan wonder: Everything is cooked in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Tortilla-free: Enjoy the classic burrito flavors without the need for tortillas.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, this meal is perfect for busy nights.
- Flavor-packed: It’s loaded with the bold, savory taste of taco seasoning, cheese, and fresh toppings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1-3/4 cups chicken broth
- 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
- 2 small chicken breasts (12-14oz), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen sweet corn
- 1 recipe homemade taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp store-bought)
- 8 oz Mexican cheese blend, divided
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, chopped green onions, diced avocado
Directions
- In a large nonstick skillet, combine rice, chicken broth, and canned tomatoes with their juices. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Add the chopped chicken, black beans, sweet corn, and taco seasoning to the skillet. Bring it back to a simmer, then cover and lower the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Once the rice is tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in half of the shredded cheese, then top with the remaining cheese. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve the skillet with optional toppings like cilantro, green onions, or avocado.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Add veggies: Throw in some diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Meat options: Ground turkey or beef can be swapped for the chicken.
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cheese to make the recipe suitable for those with dairy sensitivities.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth or water if the rice seems too dry.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice will take longer to cook. You may need to adjust the cooking time.
2. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and use extra beans or another plant-based protein like tofu.
3. How spicy is this dish?
The level of spiciness depends on your choice of taco seasoning. Adjust it to your taste by adding more or less chili powder or cayenne pepper.
4. Can I use a different kind of cheese?
You can use any cheese you like! A sharp cheddar or pepper jack would add a nice twist.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just make sure the taco seasoning you use is also gluten-free.
6. How can I make this dish even cheesier?
Add more cheese during the cooking process or sprinkle extra cheese on top right before serving.
7. Can I use frozen chicken?
Frozen chicken can be used, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
8. Can I add sour cream or salsa?
Yes, both would make great additions as toppings to enhance the flavor.
9. What can I serve this with?
It pairs well with a simple side salad, tortilla chips, or a dollop of sour cream.
10. Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is great for meal prep. You can prepare it the night before and reheat it the next day.
Conclusion
The Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet is an easy and comforting meal that brings all your favorite burrito flavors into one pan. With its simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, this recipe is sure to become a go-to weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s versatile and can be customized to suit your taste or dietary preferences!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet combines all the delicious flavors of a burrito without the tortilla. With tender chicken, rice, black beans, sweet corn, and melted cheese, this one-pan dish is perfect for busy nights, offering comfort and vibrant Tex-Mex flavors in under 40 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
- 2 small chicken breasts (12-14oz), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen sweet corn
- 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning (or store-bought)
- 8 oz Mexican cheese blend, divided
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, chopped green onions, diced avocado
Instructions
-
Cook the Rice:
- In a large nonstick skillet, combine rice, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes with green chiles (with their juices).
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
-
Add the Chicken & Veggies:
- Add chopped chicken, black beans, sweet corn, and taco seasoning to the skillet.
- Bring it back to a simmer, then cover and lower the heat to medium-low.
- Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
-
Melt the Cheese:
- Once the rice is tender, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Stir in half of the shredded cheese, then top with the remaining cheese.
- Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
-
Serve:
- Serve the skillet with optional toppings like cilantro, green onions, or avocado.
Notes
- Vegetable Swaps: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Meat Options: Swap chicken with ground turkey, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese to make it suitable for those with dairy sensitivities.
- Meal Prep: This dish holds up well for leftovers and is perfect for meal prepping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
