If you’re seeking a vibrant and hearty dinner that brings maximum flavor with minimal effort, the Chicken And Rice Taco Skillet is your answer. This all-in-one recipe combines juicy taco-seasoned chicken thighs, fragrant jasmine rice, peppers, and zesty lime in one easy-to-clean skillet. Designed for busy families and anyone who loves Tex-Mex flair, this dish transforms weeknight meals from boring to bold. With layers of textures and customizable toppings, the Chicken And Rice Taco Skillet will take center stage at your dinner table—saving you time, cutting down on dishes, and satisfying every appetite.
Memories, Comfort, and Tex-Mex Inspiration
Food memories are powerful, and some of my best ones revolve around skillet suppers—especially those infused with taco spices. Growing up, we often gathered in the kitchen after long days, craving both comfort and excitement on our plates. The best meals were those that brought the family together—like this Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet.
There’s something magical about the way taco seasoning transforms basic ingredients into an exciting feast. The scent of peppers and onions sizzling alongside seasoned chicken always reminds me of family taco night, but with a new, practical twist. Instead of juggling multiple pans and sides, the Chicken And Rice Taco Skillet delivers that festive, taco-inspired energy in a single, savory dish.
Why I Love The Chicken And Rice Taco Skillet
This skillet meal is more than just easy cleanup—it’s about building flavors. Biting into juicy, golden-browned chicken layered over tender, lime-kissed rice and bell peppers never disappoints. The Chicken And Rice Taco Skillet strikes a perfect balance between comfort and adventure, making it a regular in my kitchen. The best part? All it takes is one pan and a handful of pantry staples. The result? A meal that’s both wholesome and irresistibly delicious, ready to welcome everyone to the table.
Building Layers of Flavor: From Seasoning to Sizzle
Choosing Your Chicken & The Power of Taco Seasoning
At the heart of the Chicken And Rice Taco Skillet are boneless, skinless chicken thighs, known for their rich, juicy flavor. When tossed with taco seasoning and a pinch of kosher salt, every bite pops with Tex-Mex zest. Browning these thighs builds flavor right from the start.
Taco seasoning is the cornerstone here—it’s a blend of warm spices like cumin, paprika, chili, and garlic, bringing depth and a gentle heat. Don’t hesitate to use your favorite store-bought mix or whip up a homemade version for even more control over the flavor and spice level.
Sautéed Veggies & Toasty Rice for Heartiness
After cooking the chicken, the real flavor building begins: sautéing sweet red and green bell peppers, golden onions, and fresh garlic in the same skillet. They soak up the pan’s fond (those flavorful brown bits on the bottom) for unbeatable taste. Jasmine rice is then toasted with more taco seasoning and lime zest, infusing every grain with rich, savory notes.
By stirring in chicken broth, lime juice, and plenty of cilantro, you create a rice base that’s zesty, aromatic, and perfectly tender after baking. Tucking the browned chicken back in lets the flavors mingle and juices combine, ensuring each serving is both moist and deeply seasoned.
Full Recipe: Chicken And Rice Taco Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup white jasmine rice, rinsed well and drained
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Zest of 1/2 lime
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro leaves, plus more for garnish
- Optional for serving: Guacamole, sour cream, corn tortilla chips, sliced jalapenos
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Season chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 2 tablespoons taco seasoning.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat avocado oil over medium-high heat. Brown chicken on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side), then set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook bell peppers, onion, and garlic until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add jasmine rice, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon taco seasoning. Toast for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth, lime zest, lime juice, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.
- Nestle browned chicken thighs back into rice mixture.
- Cover skillet and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for about 15 more minutes, until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Fluff rice, garnish with extra cilantro, and serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes: For a little more kick, add diced jalapenos before baking.
Customizing The Chicken And Rice Taco Skillet
Topping Ideas: Everyone Gets Their Favorite
The real beauty of the Chicken And Rice Taco Skillet is the range of toppings you can offer. Family or guests can create their own Tex-Mex masterpiece at the table, adjusting heat and richness to their tastes.
- Guacamole or sliced avocado for creamy luxury
- Sour cream for tangy coolness
- Corn tortilla chips for added crunch
- Sliced jalapenos or pickled onions for vibrant heat
- Extra lime wedges for a citrus pop
- Fresh pico de gallo or salsa for freshness
Make It Your Own: Additions, Swaps, and Variations
This skillet’s structure lets you tailor it easily:
- Turn up the spice by adding chipotle powder or fresh chilies.
- Use brown rice instead of jasmine (increase broth and bake time by 10-15 minutes).
- Add a can of black beans or corn to the rice for extra heartiness.
- Swap chicken thighs for boneless chicken breasts or even tofu to meet different dietary needs.
Serving, Storing, and Meal Prep Tips
Serving Suggestions: Plating With Style
Serve your Chicken And Rice Taco Skillet family-style right from the hot skillet—it’s rustic, colorful, and always impressive. Pile on toppings just before serving, or let each person choose their mix.
Pair with a simple side of leafy salad or a crisp, citrusy Mexican-inspired slaw for a complete meal. Skip alcohol and offer chilled sparkling water or a tangy limeade to stay refreshed.
How to Store and Reheat Skillet Leftovers
This dish stores beautifully and makes excellent leftovers. Let the skillet cool, then transfer rice and chicken into airtight containers:
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 325°F, or use a skillet over low heat with a splash of extra broth to keep rice moist.
- Individual portions can be microwaved, covered, for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
The Chicken And Rice Taco Skillet is also perfect for meal prep—portioned lunches are both satisfying and simple.
Conclusion
The Chicken And Rice Taco Skillet is your ticket to bold flavor and easy weeknight comfort—all in one pan. This recipe proves that cooking from scratch doesn’t need to be complicated to be delicious. Thanks to the bright zest of lime, the fragrant rice, and that juicy taco-seasoned chicken, you’ll have an exciting, crowd-friendly meal every time. With endless opportunities to customize toppings and a fuss-free cleanup, this skillet supper is sure to earn a place in your regular rotation. Try it once, and you’ll be coming back for more!
And if this Chicken And Rice Taco Skillet dish sparked your love for Tex-Mex-inspired meals, Recipes Dina has even more delicious ideas to explore. For example, fans of one-skillet simplicity will love the creamy comfort of our Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet—perfect for cozy nights in. Or dial up the bold spices with the hearty, veggie-packed Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet, a satisfying take on a Southern-Mexican mashup.
Looking for even more ways to combine chicken and rice? Don’t miss the detailed step-by-step breakdown in our Chicken Over Rice Guide—another easy, crowd-pleasing classic. And if taco seasoning is your not-so-secret ingredient, check out the always-popular Easy Chicken Tacos for a traditional take that’s anything but boring.
No great Tex-Mex meal is complete without a fresh, flavorful side—so pair your skillet with something crunchy and cool like our Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw for that perfect creamy-tangy balance.
The Chicken And Rice Taco Skillet is all about flexibility and flavor, and when it’s part of a bigger dinner lineup that includes tried-and-true favorites from Recipes Dina, your meal planning gets a whole lot easier—and more delicious.
So go ahead, bookmark this skillet, add it to your rotation, and serve it up often. Because dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be unforgettable.
Chicken And Rice Taco Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 small red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 small green bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1/2 yellow onion thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup white jasmine rice rinsed well and drained
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Zest of 1/2 lime
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro leaves plus more for garnish
- Optional for serving: Guacamole sour cream, corn tortilla chips, sliced jalapenos
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and taco seasoning. Heat avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on both sides, then set aside.
- Begin the Rice: In the same skillet, cook the bell peppers, onion, and garlic until tender. Add rice, salt, and taco seasoning, toasting until fragrant. Stir in broth, lime zest, lime juice, and cilantro. Nestle the chicken back into the skillet.
- Bake: Cover the skillet and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with cilantro, and serve with optional toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and jalapenos.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapenos to the skillet before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken And Rice Taco Skillet
Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice? Absolutely. Increase the broth to 2 cups and bake for an extra 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
What’s the best skillet to use for this recipe? A cast iron or heavy, oven-safe skillet is ideal for even browning and finishing in the oven.
Can I add more vegetables to the skillet? Yes! Zucchini, corn, or mushrooms make great add-ins. Sauté them alongside the peppers and onions.
Is this recipe spicy? The basic recipe is mild, but you can adjust with more taco seasoning, jalapenos, or hot sauce to your liking.