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If you’ve been searching for a vibrant, comforting, and downright delicious meal that brings all your favorite flavors together in one pan, look no further than this amazing Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe. With tender chicken, zesty tomatoes with green chiles, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and gooey melted Mexican cheese all mingling atop fluffy rice, it’s the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth and fiesta vibes with every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this skillet recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a show-stopping meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe lies in the simplicity and harmony of its ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, and color—creating a meal that’s as beautiful to look at as it is satisfying to eat.
- 1 cup long grain white rice: This forms the fluffy, hearty base that soaks up all the delicious juices.
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth: Using broth instead of water adds extra savory depth to the rice.
- 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained: Brings a zesty kick and vibrant color to every spoonful.
- 2 small chicken breasts (12-14 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces: Tender protein to keep you full and satisfied.
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds earthiness and a nice creamy texture contrast.
- 1 cup frozen sweet corn: Provides bursts of sweetness for balance.
- 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning (or store-bought): Infuses the dish with classic Mexican-inspired spices.
- 8 oz Mexican cheese blend, divided: Melts to perfect gooeyness, uniting all the flavors with rich creaminess.
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, chopped green onions, diced avocado: Fresh garnishes that brighten and elevate each bite.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice with Tomatoes and Broth
Start by pouring the rice, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes with green chiles (including their flavorful juices) into a large nonstick skillet. Bring everything to a rolling boil over high heat. This combination ensures the rice will absorb those bold flavors, creating a foundation that’s anything but ordinary.
Step 2: Add Chicken, Black Beans, Corn, and Taco Seasoning
Once boiling, stir in your bite-sized chicken pieces, rinsed black beans, frozen sweet corn, and the taco seasoning. Give it a good mix so the seasoning is well distributed. Then, lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer together. This step allows the chicken to cook gently while the beans and corn meld seamlessly into the dish.
Step 3: Simmer Until Rice is Tender
Allow your skillet to simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. Halfway through, take a moment to stir gently to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking. When the rice is soft and has soaked up most of the liquid, you’re ready for the next indulgent step.
Step 4: Stir in and Melt the Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in half of the shredded Mexican cheese blend until it starts to melt into the warm rice mixture. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and cover again, letting it sit for 5 minutes to achieve that irresistible, bubbling cheesy layer on top. This finishing touch is what makes this truly a Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
After the cheese has melted perfectly, it’s time to bring everyone to the table. Serve your skillet piping hot alongside your favorite toppings for a personalized touch.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this skillet to the next level. Sprinkle chopped cilantro and green onions for a pop of herbal brightness and crunch. Diced avocado adds creamy richness and a cool contrast to the warm, cheesy layers. These little extras add beauty, layers of flavor, and a fresh balance to the hearty main dish.
Side Dishes
Since the Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe is a complete, satisfying meal on its own, simple sides often work best. Think crisp tortilla chips with salsa, a fresh green salad with lime vinaigrette, or even a light slaw for crunch and acidity. These sides complement the skillet without overwhelming its bold flavor profile.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this skillet with warm flour tortillas and let everyone build their own burrito bowls. You can also scoop it into crispy bell pepper halves or hollowed-out mini bell peppers for a festive presentation. The vibrant colors and gooey cheese make it a crowd-pleaser no matter how you serve it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? They keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making the dish even more delicious the next day — just be sure to cool it completely before storing.
Freezing
This Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe also freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if it seems dry. Stir occasionally to keep the cheese nice and melty and to warm everything evenly.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely, you can substitute brown rice for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber. Just note that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
What can I use instead of chicken breasts?
If you want to switch it up, boneless skinless chicken thighs work great and stay juicy. You could also swap in cooked shredded rotisserie chicken for an even faster option.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe?
Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and add extra beans, vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or even tofu for protein. The taco seasoning and cheese will still keep those flavors vibrant and satisfying.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
For sure! Add a diced jalapeño, some chipotle powder, or extra green chiles to amp up the heat. Just adjust to your taste and spice tolerance.
What type of cheese works best?
The Mexican cheese blend is perfect because it melts beautifully and has a great balance of flavors. You can also experiment with sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack for different nuances in taste and meltiness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about one-pan meals that bring together bold, comforting flavors with minimal fuss—and this Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe is exactly that. It’s a warm hug on a plate that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how easy and rewarding weeknight cooking can be with this delightful dish!
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Print
Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
A quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, seasoned rice, black beans, corn, and melted Mexican cheese, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. This Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet combines protein and vegetables in a vibrant, Tex-Mex inspired dish that requires minimal cleanup and comes together in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Main 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 1 cup of long grain white rice, 1 3/4 cups chicken broth, and the 10 oz can of diced tomatoes with green chiles including their juices. This forms the flavorful base for the dish.
- Bring to Boil: Place the skillet over high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This helps the rice start cooking and infuses it with the tomato and chile flavors.
- Add Chicken and Veggies: Add the cut chicken pieces, 15 oz of drained and rinsed black beans, 1 cup frozen sweet corn, and 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning into the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Covered: Once everything is mixed, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The rice will absorb liquid and chicken will cook through.
- Melt the Cheese: After the rice is tender and chicken cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in half of the shredded 8 oz Mexican cheese blend until melted and creamy throughout the mixture.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover again and let it sit off the heat for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese on top to melt perfectly.
- Serve: Spoon the cheesy chicken and rice mixture into bowls or plates. Garnish with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, green onions, or diced avocado for fresh flavor and texture contrast.
Notes
- Using undrained tomatoes with green chiles adds extra moisture and heat to the dish.
- Stir halfway through simmering to prevent rice from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Feel free to substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Adjust taco seasoning amount to taste if you prefer milder or spicier results.
- Using a heavy-bottom skillet helps avoid burning during the simmer.
- Optional toppings add freshness and texture but are not required.
- This dish can be served with a side of sour cream or salsa if desired.
