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One Pot Mexican ACP Chicken and Rice – Easy, Cheesy & Flavor-Packed

Skip takeout and make this One Pot Mexican ACP Chicken and Rice at home! 🍚✨ Tender chicken, seasoned rice, melty cheese, and bold Mexican-inspired flavors all come together in one skillet. This easy weeknight dinner is creamy, cheesy, and ready in under an hour with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy nights when you want comfort food with a delicious twist!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Latin American, Mexican-Inspired
Servings 4
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Optional: cheese grater

Ingredients
  

Chicken & Rice:

  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup long-grain or medium-grain rice
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or queso blanco)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Optional add-ins: ½ cup corn, ½ cup black beans, ½ cup salsa

Instructions
 

  • Prep Ingredients: Dice vegetables and chicken. Season chicken lightly with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder.
  • Sear Chicken: Heat 1–2 tbsp oil in a large pot. Sear chicken until golden on all sides; remove and set aside.
  • Sauté Aromatics: Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper to pot. Cook 2–3 minutes until softened.
  • Toast Rice: Stir in rice and toast 1–2 minutes for enhanced flavor.
  • Add Liquids & Seasoning: Pour in chicken broth (and salsa if using). Stir in remaining seasonings. Bring to a simmer.
  • Cook Chicken & Rice: Nestle chicken back into the pot. Cover and simmer on low for 15–20 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
  • Add Cheese: Sprinkle cheese over top, cover, and let melt 3–5 minutes.
  • Rest & Serve: Remove from heat, let sit 5 minutes, fluff rice with a fork, and serve with optional garnishes.

Notes

  • Rice Tips: Long-grain rice stays fluffy; medium-grain gives creamier texture.
  • Spicy Version: Add jalapeños, cayenne, or hot sauce for heat.
  • Vegetable Add-ins: Corn, black beans, or zucchini boost nutrition.
  • Make-Ahead: Cook rice and chicken separately; combine with cheese before serving.
  • Storage: Refrigerate in airtight container for 3–4 days, or freeze up to 2 months.
Keyword ACP, Arroz con Pollo, cheesy chicken skillet, Mexican comfort food, One pot chicken and rice, weeknight dinner