Delicious Chicken Cheese and Rice Mexican Recipe Fiesta

Name: Chicken Cheese and Rice Mexican Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs); 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack blend); 1 medium sweet onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup bell peppers, diced (red or green); 1 tsp ground cumin; Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

August 21, 2025

Updated:

August 21, 2025

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Imagine walking into your kitchen where the aroma of savory chicken mingles with the comforting scent of melted cheese and warm rice. This chicken cheese and rice Mexican recipe brings together flavors that dance on your taste buds, making you feel like you’ve just stepped into a fiesta. The creamy texture of the cheese hugs the tender chicken, while the rice adds a delightful heartiness that makes this dish an instant family favorite.

I can still hear my grandma’s laughter as she cooked this dish for our Sunday gatherings, filling our home with warmth and love. It was a staple at every special occasion, and I swear it could cure just about anything. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe always finds its way onto my table, promising smiles and full bellies all around.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This chicken cheese and rice Mexican recipe is quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free

The flavor profile is rich and comforting, perfect for any palate
Visually appealing with vibrant colors from toppings, it’s sure to impress guests

Versatile enough for meal prep or family gatherings, you’ll want to make it again and again

I remember the first time I served this dish at a potluck; everyone went back for seconds!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts but adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
Long-Grain Rice: Long-grain rice works best; it stays fluffy and absorbs flavors beautifully during cooking.

Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives that perfect creamy texture and flavor.
Onion: Sweet onions are ideal; they add great depth to the dish when sautéed until golden brown.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable; it infuses your dish with incredible aroma and flavor.

Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to avoid over-salting the dish while adding extra flavor.
Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers add a crunchy texture and visual appeal; go for red or green for variety.
Cumin Powder: This spice adds warmth and depth; don’t skip it if you want authentic Mexican flavors.

Cilantro (for garnish): Fresh cilantro brightens up the dish beautifully; sprinkle it generously before serving!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. Chop onions, garlic, and bell peppers so they’re ready to go—this will save you time later.

Sauté Your Veggies: Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers, sautéing until they soften and turn golden brown—about 5 minutes. Enjoy the sweet aroma filling your kitchen!

Add Chicken & Spices: Toss in diced chicken breasts along with minced garlic and cumin powder. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink inside—approximately 6-8 minutes. The spices will create a mouthwatering scent that makes your stomach rumble!

Incorporate Rice & Broth: Stir in long-grain rice until coated with all those delicious juices. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover the skillet and let everything cook for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender.

Melt That Cheese!: Once the rice is ready, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of your mixture. Cover again for 3-5 minutes until cheese melts into gooey perfection—this is when you should start dancing in anticipation!

Garnish & Serve!: Finally, remove from heat and sprinkle fresh cilantro over your creation before serving. Serve hot alongside tortillas or chips for an authentic experience.

Now you have created a heavenly chicken cheese and rice Mexican recipe that will surely delight everyone at the table! Enjoy every bite!

You Must Know

This chicken cheese and rice Mexican recipe is a family favorite, bringing together cheesy goodness with zesty flavors
The delightful aroma fills the kitchen, making everyone’s tummy rumble in anticipation

Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, it’s a dish that truly satisfies

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken to lock in flavor, then prepare the rice while the chicken cooks to ensure everything is perfectly timed and delicious.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this dish with different cheeses, beans, or veggies to match your taste or what’s in your pantry.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat slowly in a skillet for best results.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfect results, let the cheese melt completely before serving

Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy
Use chicken broth instead of water for cooking rice for added flavor

Sharing this dish with friends at a potluck led to compliments that still make me smile. It’s always fun seeing people go back for seconds—or thirds!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, just adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.

What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar or Monterey Jack are excellent choices for this chicken cheese and rice Mexican recipe.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it in advance and simply reheat when ready to serve.

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