Mexican chicken and rice tacos
Mexican chicken and rice tacos combine bold Mexican spices, tender chicken, and fluffy rice wrapped in soft tortillas for a quick, flavorful, and wholesome meal perfect for busy weeknights or taco nights.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: One-pan stovetop cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein and Grains
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Aromatics and Spices
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids and Mix-ins
- 1 cup diced tomatoes or salsa
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
Fresh Toppings
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
To Serve
- Soft corn or flour tortillas
- Prepare the chicken and aromatics: Finely chop onions and garlic, then sauté them in a hot pan with a splash of oil until fragrant and translucent. Add the diced chicken, seasoning with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through.
- Cook the rice with tomatoes and broth: Add the rice to the pan, stirring well to toast slightly. Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook until the rice is tender and fluffy and has absorbed the flavors.
- Warm tortillas and prepare toppings: While the chicken and rice finish cooking, warm your tortillas in a hot skillet or wrapped in foil inside the oven. Prepare fresh lime wedges, chopped cilantro, and any additional toppings to make assembling easier.
- Assemble and serve: Spoon the chicken and rice mixture onto each tortilla. Garnish with cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and optional cheese or salsa. Fold and enjoy your fresh and flavorful Mexican chicken and rice tacos immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh spices: For the best flavor, use freshly ground chili powder and cumin rather than pre-mixed blends.
- Don’t overcook the rice: Keep an eye on the rice while simmering to avoid mushiness; it should be fluffy and separate.
- Chicken cut size: Cut chicken into uniform small pieces for even cooking and easy taco assembly.
- Rest the meat: Let the cooked chicken rest a few minutes off heat before mixing with the rice to retain juiciness.
- Tortilla warming: Warm tortillas just before serving to keep them pliable and soft.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Mexican chicken tacos, chicken and rice tacos, quick Mexican recipe, one-pan chicken recipe, gluten-free tacos