Family-Style Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice – One-Pan Crowd Pleaser

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready for a warm, family-style meal that brings everyone scooting up to the table with big smiles? This Family-Style Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice is one of those comforting one-pan dishes that feels like a hug from the inside out. Inspired by classic Tex-Mex home cooking, it’s hearty, cheesy, flavorful, and unbelievably easy—perfect for feeding a crowd or getting dinner done fast on busy nights.

This dish brings together tender chicken, seasoned rice, and melty cheese, all simmered in a skillet with taco spices and colorful veggies. It’s the kind of recipe families have made for generations: simple pantry staples, layered flavors, and the joy of gathering around one big shared pan. The aroma alone—warm cumin, garlic, and bubbling cheese—is enough to make everyone wander into the kitchen asking when dinner will be ready.

Whether you’re hosting game night, feeding hungry kids, or prepping leftovers for the week, this one-pan wonder delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s cozy, hearty, and endlessly customizable—just the way traditional comfort food should be. So grab your skillet, gather the family, and let’s cook up a cheesy crowd pleaser that’s sure to become a household favorite! 🌮🍗🧀🔥

Ingredients

🍗 Chicken & Base

• 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

🌮 Taco-Rice Mix

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

🧀 Cheesy Finish

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Sear the chicken
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the veggies
   In the same skillet, sauté onion and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add rice & seasonings
   Stir in the rice and taco seasoning, allowing the rice to toast slightly in the pan—this adds depth of flavor.
4. Simmer everything together
   Pour in the chicken broth and canned tomatoes. Add corn and black beans. Return chicken to the skillet and stir well.
5. Cover & cook
   Bring mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15–18 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid absorbed.
6. Cheesy topping time!
   Sprinkle cheese generously over the top. Cover again for 2–3 minutes until melted and gooey.
7. Serve family-style
   Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges. Scoop directly from the pan onto plates or bowls. Enjoy the cheesy goodness! 😋

Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 20 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 30 minutes

⚡ Calories per serving: ~450
🍽️ Servings: 6

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️