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Mexican chicken and rice tacos

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

Keywords: Mexican chicken tacos, chicken and rice tacos, quick Mexican recipe, one-pan chicken recipe, gluten-free tacos