January 24, 2024
Review RecipeFiesta Chicken
Fiesta chicken is a vibrant and zesty dish that combines tender chicken, smoky spices, colorful vegetables, and melty cheese for a flavor-packed meal on your plate.
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If you are looking for a mouthwatering dinner option that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, look no further than our fiesta chicken recipe. Packed with flavors, textures, and a touch of zest, this dish is a delight for your taste buds.
Fiesta Chicken Ingredients
Our fiesta chicken recipe is an irresistible fusion of flavors. The succulent chicken, marinated in a blend of smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder, boasts a smoky and aromatic profile.
The colorful bell peppers add a touch of freshness and a crisp crunch, while the sweet corn and juicy diced tomatoes infuse the dish with a burst of natural sweetness.
The combination of black beans and white rice provides a hearty base, absorbing all the savory goodness. Topped with Mexican blend cheese, this dish boasts a creamy, cheesy finish that ties all the elements together.
If you’re ready to whip up some fiesta chicken, here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon of pepper
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cored and chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, cored and chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can of whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 cup of diced tomatoes
- 1½ cups of white rice
- 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
- ¾ cup of Mexican blend cheese
- Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, jalapeño slices, sliced or diced avocado, plain nonfat Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime wedges
Substitutions and Additions
CHICKEN: Customize this dish with your favorite chicken cut – boneless, skinless thighs, breasts, or even tender rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.
YELLOW ONION: Experiment with red, white, or green onions to add a distinct taste to your fiesta chicken.
SPICES: While smoked paprika adds a smoky kick, you can dial up the heat by adding a teaspoon of chili powder or using a taco seasoning packet instead.
BELL PEPPERS: Opt for a single type of bell pepper if you prefer, or mix and match for a colorful presentation.
BLACK BEANS: Kidney beans, chickpeas, or pinto beans are great substitutes for black beans, allowing you to explore new flavors and textures.
CORN: Whether you go for fresh or frozen corn, your fiesta chicken will still retain its sweet, juicy essence.
TOMATOES: If fresh tomatoes aren’t on hand, rely on canned diced tomatoes for that juicy, tomatoey goodness.
WHITE RICE: While basmati rice is traditional, you can switch it up with Mexican rice, brown rice, or your favorite instant rice variety. Just follow the package instructions for cooking.
MEXICAN BLEND CHEESE: Cheddar cheese is a delightful alternative, delivering that creamy, cheesy goodness we all crave.
How To Make This Fiesta Chicken Recipe
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this fiesta chicken dish:
STEP ONE: Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet. Add the chicken thigh pieces and cook them until they are browned on the outside. This should take about three minutes.
STEP TWO: Add the minced garlic, diced onion, smoked paprika, onion powder, and kosher salt and pepper to the skillet. Sauté for two minutes until the onions are softened, and the spices are fragrant.
STEP THREE: Stir in the bell peppers, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, white rice, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
Rinse the black beans under cold water before adding them to the skillet. This removes excess sodium and starch, allowing their natural flavors to shine through.
STEP FOUR: Cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Be sure to adjust the cooking time of the rice according to the package instructions.
STEP FIVE: Once cooked, taste it and adjust the seasonings if you like.
PRO TIP:
To ensure your chicken is tender and juicy, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees safe and perfectly cooked chicken every time.
STEP SIX: Sprinkle the Mexican blend cheese over the top of the fiesta chicken and cover the skillet again. Let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
STEP SEVEN: Serve the fiesta chicken warm, garnished with optional toppings.
How To Serve
Create a vibrant fiesta-themed dinner by serving your chicken alongside tortilla chips, guacamole, and salsa. Don’t forget a pitcher of margaritas or a refreshing fruit punch for a true fiesta experience.
Transform your fiesta chicken into mouth-watering tacos by wrapping the flavorful mixture in soft tortillas. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of hot sauce for that extra kick.
For more recipes that are loaded with Tex-Mex flavors, try our baked burritos and skillet enchiladas.
MORE CHICKEN RECIPES
Storage
We have a few handy tips for storing this fiesta chicken to enjoy later.
MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare the fiesta chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
When ready to serve, reheat it in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
IN THE FRIDGE: Leftover fiesta chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
IN THE FREEZER: If you want to freeze fiesta chicken for later, place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and store it for up to three months.
To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove or in the microwave.
REHEATING: When reheating, you have options. You can gently warm it in a skillet on the stove, reheat it in the microwave, or even use the oven.
Just ensure it’s heated thoroughly to enjoy that delicious fiesta chicken again.
Why We Love This Recipe
FLAVOR EXPLOSION: Fiesta chicken bursts with a medley of vibrant flavors, from the smoky paprika to the zesty lime. Each bite is a delightful surprise.
EASY PREP AND CLEANUP: With straightforward steps and minimal dishes to clean up, fiesta chicken simplifies your cooking experience while still delivering fantastic results.
CROWD-PLEASER: Whether you’re feeding a family or a party, fiesta chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Our fiesta chicken recipe is a flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for a variety of occasions. Its vibrant flavors, easy preparation, and adaptable nature make it a go-to recipe for any cook. Give it a try, and you’ll discover why fiesta chicken is a favorite that always brings a touch of fun to the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a taco spice mixture?
Yes, you can absolutely use a taco mixture. It is very convenient. Be sure to adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
How can I tell that the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check it using an instant-read meat thermometer.
Can I substitute the bell peppers with other veggies?
Feel free to substitute or add vegetables like zucchini, corn, or carrots.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can omit the chicken and double up on beans or add extra vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.
How do I adjust the spice level?
To add heat, include a teaspoon of chili powder or use a taco seasoning packet. Adjust the spice to your liking.
How spicy is this dish?
It has a mild to moderate level of spice. Adjust the heat by adding more
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Taco Bites
- Chicken Alfredo Bake
- Creamy Chicken Pasta
- Creamy Beef and Shells
- Chicken Spaghetti
- Chicken Cheesesteak
Fiesta Chicken
Fiesta chicken is a vibrant and zesty dish that combines tender chicken, smoky spices, colorful vegetables, and melty cheese for a flavor-packed meal on your plate.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs , or chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cored and chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, cored and chopped
- 15 ounces black beans, rinsed and drained
- 15 ounces whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1½ cups white rice
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ¾ cup Mexican blend cheese
- Optional toppings chopped fresh cilantro, jalapeño slices, sliced or diced avocado, plain nonfat Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime wedges
Instructions
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thigh pieces and cook them until they are browned on the outside. This should take about 3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, diced onion, smoked paprika, onion powder, and kosher salt and pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 2 minutes until the onions are softened, and the spices are fragrant.
- Stir in the bell peppers, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, white rice, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Be sure to adjust the cooking time of the rice according to the package instructions.
- Once cooked, taste it and adjust the seasonings if you like. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Sprinkle the Mexican blend cheese over the top of the Fiesta Chicken and cover the skillet again. Let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
- Serve the Fiesta Chicken warm, garnished with optional toppings and side dishes like chopped fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, corn chips, jalapeño slices, picante sauce, fresh pico de gallo, green chilis sliced or diced avocado, a dollop of Greek yogurt (or sour cream), cream cheese, tortilla chips, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Notes
- Rinse the black beans under cold water before adding them to the skillet. This removes excess sodium and starch, allowing their natural flavors to shine through.
- To ensure your chicken is tender and juicy, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees safe and perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Nutrition
Calories: 714kcal | Carbohydrates: 101g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 1526mg | Potassium: 1467mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2137IU | Vitamin C: 77mg | Calcium: 358mg | Iron: 5mg
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