Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe
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When I think of a perfect weeknight dinner that fills the house with irresistible aromas and makes everyone gather eagerly around the table, this Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe is exactly what comes to mind. It brings together tender chicken, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and zesty diced tomatoes with green chiles, all nestled with fluffy rice and plenty of melty Mexican cheese. Every bite bursts with layers of flavor and creamy cheesiness, making it a wholesome dish that’s as comforting as it is vibrant. The beauty of this recipe? It’s all made in one skillet, which means cooking and cleanup are both a breeze!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential for delivering that classic, satisfying taste and gorgeous color that make the Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe such a crowd-pleaser. Each component plays a vital role — from the fluffy rice soaking up all the savory juices to the perfect blend of spices adding just the right amount of heat and depth.
- 1 cup long grain white rice: The base that cooks up tender and soaks in all the delicious flavors.
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth: Adds richness and ensures the rice stays moist and flavorful.
- 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained: Brings a mild kick and a juicy fresh texture.
- 2 small chicken breasts (12-14oz), cut into bite-sized pieces: Lean protein that cooks quickly and stays juicy.
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds hearty texture and boosts fiber content.
- 1 cup frozen sweet corn: Offers a pop of sweetness and brightens up the dish visually.
- 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning (or store-bought): A blend of spices that infuses bold Mexican-inspired flavor.
- 8 oz Mexican cheese blend, divided: The key to that luscious, gooey, cheesy finish everyone loves.
- Optional toppings – chopped cilantro, chopped green onions, diced avocado: Adds freshness, color, and creamy or herbal notes that elevate each bite.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by combining the rice, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes with green chiles (including their juices) in a large nonstick skillet. This trio forms the flavorful liquid your rice will absorb. Heat the skillet over high heat and bring everything to a rolling boil. This step is crucial because it kickstarts the cooking of the rice while infusing it with the zesty tomato and chile notes that define this dish.
Step 2: Add the Chicken & Veggies
Once boiling, stir in the bite-sized chicken pieces, black beans, sweet corn, and your well-seasoned taco spice blend right into the skillet. This is where the magic starts to happen: the chicken cooks gently in the simmering liquid while the black beans and corn add layers of texture. Bring the mixture back to a simmer before covering the pan and lowering the heat to medium-low.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Let everything simmer together for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure the rice cooks evenly and nothing sticks to the bottom. The chicken will cook through, and the rice will become tender and perfectly fluffy, soaking up all those rich, spicy flavors. This gentle simmer allows all ingredients to meld into a harmonious, hearty meal.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
After the rice is perfectly cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in half of the shredded Mexican cheese blend so it melts into the warm rice and chicken mixture, adding creaminess and richness. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover the skillet again, and let it sit for about five minutes. This resting time allows the cheese to melt beautifully, creating that irresistible gooey layer that’s the crowning glory of this Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, it’s time to bring this colorful skillet to the table. Add optional fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, green onions, or avocado for brightness and a fresh finish. Serve it straight from the skillet to keep things warm and casual. This one-pan marvel is sure to become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes are what take the dish from delicious to unforgettable. Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions to add a punch of color and herbal freshness. Diced avocado adds a creamy, cooling contrast to the warmly spiced skillet, balancing the flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This skillet is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving with a simple green salad or crispy tortilla chips. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lime juice on the side can also enhance the overall flavor experience, giving it more layers and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe in individual cast-iron skillets for a festive touch, or spoon it into warm flour tortillas to create burrito bowls on the go. You might also layer it into a casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and broil for a few minutes to get a golden, crispy cheese crust that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen overnight, making it just as tasty, if not better, the next day. Leftovers will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead or save some for later, this Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the skillet portion gently on the stove over low heat or microwave in intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the dish seems a bit dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the creamy texture and keep that cheesy goodness flowing.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to increase the simmering time and possibly add a bit more liquid. The nutty flavor of brown rice can add a lovely depth to the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add more beans or even sautéed mushrooms for protein and texture. The taco seasoning and cheese will still give it plenty of punchy, comforting flavor.
What can I substitute for the homemade taco seasoning?
If you don’t have homemade taco seasoning on hand, a store-bought packet works perfectly, or you can mix simple spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt to create a quick blend.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Mexican cheese blend melts beautifully, but you can swap in cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of both for a similarly creamy and flavorful result.
How spicy is this Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe?
The heat level is mild to moderate depending on your choice of taco seasoning and the diced tomatoes with green chiles. If you want to adjust the spice, you can use mild tomatoes or add extras like jalapeños for more kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a one-skillet meal that’s packed with hearty ingredients, bursting with bold flavors, and finishes with a dreamy cheesy topping, you have to give this Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe a try. It’s easy, soul-satisfying, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. Trust me, once you make it, this recipe will become your go-to for those busy nights when you want something delicious without any fuss.
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Print
Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, black beans, corn, and zesty diced tomatoes with green chiles, all seasoned with taco spices and topped with melted Mexican cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with Tex-Mex flavors.
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 (12–14 oz), 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 the rice, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes with green chiles along with their juices. This mixture creates the flavorful base for your skillet meal.
- Bring to Boil: Place the skillet over high heat and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, ensuring all ingredients start cooking evenly.
- Add Chicken and Veggies: Stir in the bite-sized chicken pieces, drained black beans, frozen corn, and taco seasoning to the skillet, mixing everything well.
- Simmer Covered: Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes so the rice absorbs the liquid and the chicken cooks through.
- Stir Halfway: About halfway through the simmering, carefully stir the mixture to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Melt the Cheese: Once the rice is tender and the chicken fully cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in half of the shredded Mexican cheese until combined.
- Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top of the mixture.
- Let Cheese Melt: Cover the skillet and let it sit for 5 minutes off heat, allowing the cheese to melt into a gooey topping.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the cheesy chicken burrito skillet hot, topped with optional chopped cilantro, green onions, and diced avocado for extra freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use homemade taco seasoning for a fresher flavor or store-bought for convenience.
- Feel free to swap chicken breasts with thighs if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- If you prefer a crispier top, after melting the cheese, place the skillet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Skillet Meal
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
