There’s something magical about a comforting meal that you can whip up quickly after a long day. When time is short, and hunger is high, the last thing you want is a complicated recipe that requires tons of ingredients and cleanup. But what if you could enjoy a flavorful, filling dish in under 40 minutes, using just a handful of pantry staples? Enter the easy chicken and rice skillet with corn and spices—a dish that ticks all the boxes: quick, delicious, and packed with nutrition.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or cooking for yourself, this recipe brings together tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, aromatic spices, and gooey cheese—all in one skillet. The beauty of this dish is that it’s adaptable, satisfying, and requires minimal effort.
So, let’s dive into why this easy chicken and rice skillet with corn and spices should be your go-to weeknight meal.
Why This Chicken and Rice Skillet is the Ultimate Comfort Food
Comfort food has the power to transport us back to simpler times, offering a sense of warmth and security. This chicken and rice skillet is more than just food—it’s an experience. If you’ve ever come home after a busy day and longed for a hearty, flavorful meal, this dish delivers. Here’s why:
Quick & Simple
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can go from hungry to satisfied in about 35 minutes. It’s perfect for those weeknights when you need something filling but don’t have the luxury of spending hours in the kitchen.
One-Pan Wonder
We all know how dreadful it can be to clean up after cooking a big meal. The worst part is when you’ve used a dozen pots and pans, and now you’re left with a mountain of dishes. This recipe solves that problem. Everything is made in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze and allowing you to enjoy your meal without worrying about the mess.
Hearty & Balanced
Packed with protein from chicken, fiber from corn and rice, and plenty of vitamins from the bell peppers and spices, this dish offers a balanced meal in every bite. It’s filling, yet light enough not to leave you feeling sluggish.
Flavorful & Versatile
From the smoky cumin and coriander to the subtle kick of cayenne, the spices in this dish bring it to life. The best part? You can adjust the seasoning based on your preference, making it as mild or spicy as you like. Add extra veggies, or even swap chicken for a vegetarian alternative, and you’ll still have a delicious, satisfying meal. Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream Sauce recipe
Ingredients for Easy Chicken and Rice Skillet
Before you begin, gather all the ingredients. You’ll find that most of them are likely already in your pantry or fridge, and if not, they’re easily accessible at any grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Chicken breast (sliced) | 13 oz |
| Onion (diced) | 1 small |
| Garlic (crushed) | 3 cloves |
| Red bell pepper (diced) | 1 |
| Crushed tomatoes/tomato passata | 24 oz |
| Chicken broth/water | 3 cups |
| Frozen corn | 1 1/2 cups |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/2 tsp (adjust to taste) |
| Dried oregano | 1 tbsp |
| Ground cumin | 2 tsp |
| Ground coriander | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Onion powder | 2 tsp |
| Brown sugar | 1 tbsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Uncooked white rice | 1 1/2 cups |
| Grated cheese | 1 1/2 cups (125-150g) |
How to Make Easy Chicken and Rice Skillet
This recipe is as simple as it gets. With minimal steps, you’ll have a delicious dish on the table in no time. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breast and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. The skillet will now have all those delicious bits of chicken stuck to the bottom—don’t worry, this is flavor that will enrich the entire dish!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if necessary. Toss in the diced onion and crushed garlic. Sauté them for 1-2 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Then, add the diced red bell pepper, and continue cooking for another 2 minutes. You want the bell pepper to remain tender yet crisp, so don’t overcook it.
Step 3: Add the Liquids & Spices
Now it’s time to layer in the flavors. Pour in the crushed tomatoes or tomato passata and chicken broth (or water if you prefer a lighter version). Stir in the frozen corn, followed by the spices: cayenne pepper, oregano, cumin, coriander, onion powder, and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring the mixture to a simmer. This is where the magic happens, as the spices meld together and create a rich, aromatic base for the rice.
Step 4: Add the Rice
Once the mixture is simmering, add the uncooked white rice. Stir it well to combine, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the rice cook undisturbed for 15-18 minutes. During this time, avoid stirring, as it could result in unevenly cooked rice. The rice will soak up the flavorful liquid and become tender.
Step 5: Add the Chicken & Cheese
Once the rice is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed, shred or chop the cooked chicken and stir it into the rice mixture. Top the skillet with the grated cheese, then transfer it to the oven and place it under the broiler for a few minutes. You want the cheese to melt and bubble up, creating a golden, cheesy crust on top.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the skillet from the oven. Serve your easy chicken and rice skillet hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or coriander if desired. Pair it with a side of greens or a light salad for a complete meal.
Key Tips for Making This Recipe Perfect Every Time
- Adjusting the Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of spice, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. If you love a good kick, feel free to increase it to 1 teaspoon.
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: A cast-iron skillet helps retain heat, ensuring even cooking and a perfect golden crust on the cheese.
- Don’t Skip the Broiler: The broiler step is essential for that melty, bubbly cheese topping. Just a few minutes under the broiler gives this dish its signature appeal.
- Customize the Veggies: You can easily add or swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand. Zucchini, peas, or even spinach can work wonders in this dish.
- Make it Gluten-Free: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, ensure that your chicken broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Nutritional Benefits of This Chicken and Rice Skillet
Not only does this dish taste amazing, but it’s also packed with nutrients that will keep you fueled throughout the day. Here’s a quick look at the nutritional profile:
- Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving
- Protein: The chicken provides a substantial amount of protein, helping to build and repair tissues.
- Fiber: Corn and vegetables contribute fiber, which is essential for good digestion and maintaining a healthy gut.
- Vitamins & Minerals: With ingredients like red bell pepper, garlic, and cumin, you’ll get a boost of vitamins A, C, and E, along with iron, calcium, and potassium.
This chicken and rice skillet isn’t just a meal—it’s a balanced, nutritious dish that works for anyone looking for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Busy Weeknights
We all know how hectic weeknights can be. Between work, school, and everything else, finding time to cook a wholesome meal can feel like a challenge. That’s why this easy chicken and rice skillet is the ideal solution. With its short prep time, minimal ingredients, and quick cook time, it’s a weeknight savior.
This recipe is also flexible, allowing you to make adjustments based on your schedule. If you’re really short on time, you can skip the broiler step and enjoy it straight from the stove. Or, if you want to plan ahead, you can make it the day before and simply reheat when ready.
FAQ: Easy Chicken and Rice Skillet with Corn and Spices
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything up until adding the cheese. Store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the cheese on top and broil.
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice can be used, but keep in mind that it takes longer to cook and may need more liquid.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any wheat or gluten-based ingredients. Just double-check your chicken broth and other ingredients for gluten-free labeling.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! You can easily swap the chicken for beans, tofu, or other plant-based proteins, and still enjoy all the flavors of the dish.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or someone just getting started in the kitchen, this easy chicken and rice skillet with corn and spices is a winner. It’s quick, flavorful, and so simple to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without the hassle. So why not give it a try tonight? You’ll be amazed at how effortlessly this dish becomes a staple in your weekly meal rotation.
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Easy Chicken and Rice Skillet with Corn and Spices: A Flavorful Weeknight Delight
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
- Discover the easy chicken and rice skillet with corn and spices—a quick, flavorful, one-pan weeknight meal
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 13 oz chicken breast, sliced into thin steaks
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 24 oz crushed canned tomatoes or tomato passata
- 3 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp coriander
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice (short, medium, or long grain)
- 1 1/2 cups grated cheese (about 125 – 150g)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced chicken breast and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté diced onion and crushed garlic for 1-2 minutes, or until softened.
- Add diced bell pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth or water, frozen corn, and all the spices (cayenne pepper, oregano, cumin, coriander, onion powder, and brown sugar). Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add uncooked rice. Stir, cover the skillet, and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Let the rice cook for 15-18 minutes until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Avoid stirring while cooking.
- Shred or chop the cooked chicken and stir it into the rice mixture.
- Sprinkle grated cheese over the top and place the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or coriander if desired.
- Details: This easy chicken and rice skillet combines tender chicken, spices, vegetables, and melted cheese for a flavorful and comforting dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Keywords: #ChickenRiceSkillet #OnePanMeal #QuickDinner #ComfortFood #FamilyMeal #EasyRecipe #WeeknightDinner #ChickenRecipes #HealthyAndDelicious