Fiesta Chicken and Rice Skillet

Welcome to the ultimate weeknight hero: One Pot Salsa Chicken and Rice! This incredible dish redefines convenience, delivering a burst of vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors, juicy chicken, and perfectly cooked rice all from a single pot. It’s the kind of meal that simplifies your routine without compromising on taste, making it a true winner-winner chicken dinner for any day of the week.

Are you ready to transform your regular meal rotation with something exciting, flavorful, and incredibly easy? If your answer is a resounding “yes,” then prepare to fall in love with this One Pot Salsa Chicken and Rice. Forget endless stacks of dishes and complicated steps; this recipe is all about maximizing flavor with minimal fuss. It brings together the savory goodness of perfectly seasoned chicken, the satisfying texture of fluffy rice, and the zesty punch of your favorite salsa, all simmering together in one delightful skillet.

Why This One-Pot Salsa Chicken and Rice Will Become Your Go-To Meal

This isn’t just another chicken and rice recipe; it’s a culinary experience designed for ease, flavor, and pure satisfaction. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll adore making (and eating) this dish:

Effortless One-Pot Wonder: The name says it all! Everything cooks in a single pot, significantly cutting down on cleanup time. This is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you want a delicious homemade meal without the mountain of dishes afterwards.
Explosion of Flavor: Crafted with a vibrant homemade fajita seasoning and your choice of salsa, this dish is anything but bland. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of smoky, spicy, savory, and tangy notes that will tantalize your taste buds. The spices infuse deeply into the chicken and rice, creating a rich, cohesive flavor profile.
Perfectly Tender & Juicy Chicken: We use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe, ensuring every piece remains incredibly moist and tender. Chicken thighs are renowned for their forgiving nature and rich flavor, making them ideal for one-pot preparations where they cook alongside the rice.
Wholesome and Satisfying: This recipe delivers a complete meal packed with protein, carbohydrates, and colorful vegetables. It’s hearty enough to satisfy the hungriest appetites and provides balanced nutrition for the whole family.
Highly Customizable: Whether you prefer a mild flavor or crave an extra kick of heat, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. Adjust your salsa choice, add more cayenne, or pile on your favorite toppings to make it uniquely yours.

My family and I were absolutely thrilled when we first tried this dish. The combination of the aromatic fajita seasoning coating the chicken and the zesty, simmering salsa creates an unforgettable depth of flavor. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular. While I prefer to whip up a batch of my own homemade fajita seasoning for maximum freshness and control over ingredients, a good quality store-bought dry seasoning blend works perfectly too. Just ensure you’re using a dry mix, not a packet that requires added water, as we’ll be building our liquid base from scratch.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting this flavorful One Pot Salsa Chicken and Rice requires a combination of pantry staples and fresh produce. Here’s what you’ll need, broken down for clarity:

For the Homemade Fajita Seasoning:

Chili Powder: Provides a deep, earthy, and mildly spicy base.
Ground Cumin: Adds a warm, aromatic, and slightly nutty flavor, quintessential to Mexican-inspired dishes.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Offer concentrated savory notes that blend seamlessly into the dish.
Paprika: Contributes a touch of sweetness, vibrant color, and mild peppery flavor.
Dried Oregano: Essential for its herbaceous and slightly peppery aroma.
Salt & Black Pepper: Fundamental for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
Granulated Sugar: A small amount helps balance the spices and enhance browning.
Cayenne Pepper (Optional): For those who love an extra kick, this provides adjustable heat.

For the Salsa Chicken and Rice Dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: The star protein, chosen for its tenderness and moisture retention during cooking. You can substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, adjusting cooking times as noted in the tips below.
Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and sautéing vegetables.
Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics beautifully.
Yellow Onion: Provides a sweet and savory aromatic base when softened.
Red and Yellow Bell Peppers: Add vibrant color, natural sweetness, and a pleasant crunch.
Garlic: Minced garlic offers pungent, savory depth.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps to thicken the sauce slightly, creating a richer texture.
Uncooked Long Grain Rice: Absorbs the flavors wonderfully and cooks up fluffy. Basmati or jasmine rice are excellent choices.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: The primary liquid for cooking the rice, ensuring a flavorful foundation.
Salsa: The heart of the dish! Choose your preferred spice level—mild, medium, or hot—to customize the heat.
Limes: Fresh lime juice brightens the entire dish with a zesty finish.
Fresh Cilantro (Optional): A fantastic fresh herb garnish that adds a burst of freshness and authentic flavor.

Crafting Your One-Pot Masterpiece: Step-By-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into creating this mouthwatering One Pot Salsa Chicken and Rice. Follow these detailed steps for a perfect meal every time:

Prepare Your Fajita Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine all the dry ingredients for your homemade fajita seasoning: chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, granulated sugar, and pepper. Whisk them together until they are thoroughly blended. This ensures an even coating and consistent flavor for your chicken. If you opted for store-bought seasoning, have it ready.
Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, generously sprinkle both sides of the boneless, skinless chicken thighs with about 1 tablespoon of your prepared fajita seasoning, ensuring an even coat. Carefully add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is beautifully browned and no longer pink in the center. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate; it will be added back later.

Sauté the Aromatics: To the same skillet (no need to clean it – those browned bits add flavor!), melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped yellow onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper, along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant. Reduce the heat to medium, then add the minced garlic and all-purpose flour. Cook for an additional minute, stirring continuously, allowing the flour to cook out and create a slight roux that will help thicken the sauce.

Build the Rice Base: Stir in the uncooked long-grain rice, low-sodium chicken broth, and salsa into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, ensuring all ingredients are well combined. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly with a lid, and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to allow the rice to steam properly.

Finish and Serve: Gently nestle the reserved cooked chicken thighs back into the skillet with the tender rice. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, uncovered, allowing the chicken to heat through completely. Remove the skillet from the heat, squeeze in the fresh lime juice, and stir. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish generously with freshly chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your vibrant, comforting one-pot meal!

Expert Tips & Delicious Variations for Your Salsa Chicken and Rice

Making this One Pot Salsa Chicken and Rice is already a breeze, but these extra tips and variations will help you tailor it to your exact preferences and ensure perfect results every time.

Customizing Your Spice Level:

Salsa Choice: The type of salsa you choose significantly impacts the heat level. Opt for a mild salsa if you prefer subtle flavors, a medium salsa for a balanced kick, or a hot salsa if you crave intense spice. Feel free to use chunky or smooth salsa based on your textural preference.
Cayenne Control: The fajita seasoning recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. This is entirely optional! If you love heat, you can add it or even increase it. If you prefer a milder dish, simply omit the cayenne from your seasoning blend.

Chicken Options:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: These are highly recommended for their inherent moisture and rich flavor, making them ideal for simmering. They stay tender and don’t dry out easily.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: If you prefer white meat, chicken breasts can be used as a substitute. However, they tend to cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. Adjust your searing time to 3-4 minutes per side and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before removing them from the skillet. When adding them back to the rice, just heat through briefly.

Rice Varieties and Cooking:

Long-Grain Rice: The recipe calls for long-grain rice (like Basmati or Jasmine) which cooks up light and fluffy, absorbing the flavors beautifully.
Brown Rice: If you prefer brown rice, note that it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. You would need to adjust the broth amount and simmering time accordingly (typically around 30-40 minutes), and possibly add more liquid during cooking if it dries out.
Avoid Stirring Excessively: Once the rice is simmering, try not to lift the lid or stir too much. This allows the rice to steam evenly and prevent it from becoming gummy.

Boosting the Veggies:

Add More Color: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like corn (frozen or canned, drained), black beans (rinsed and drained), or diced zucchini alongside the bell peppers and onions for extra nutrients and flavor. Add these in during the last 5-10 minutes of rice cooking.

Garnishing for Perfection:

Beyond Cilantro & Lime: While fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime are fantastic, consider additional garnishes like a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced avocado, crumbled cotija cheese, pickled jalapeños, or a sprinkle of chopped green onions for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Meal Prep & Storage:

Storing Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This dish makes excellent meal prep!
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the rice seems dry, until heated through.

Homemade Seasoning Advantage:

Batch & Store: You won’t use all the homemade fajita seasoning for a single batch of this recipe. Store any remaining seasoning in an airtight container in your spice cabinet. It stays fresh for months and is perfect for future meals, fajitas, or seasoning other proteins.

More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Enjoy

If you’ve loved this one-pot wonder, be sure to explore these other fantastic chicken dishes from our kitchen:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

King Ranch Chicken Casserole

One Pot Salsa Chicken and Rice Recipe

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 45 mins

This One Pot Salsa Chicken and Rice is an easy, one pot, winner winner chicken dinner! It’s loaded with flavor and juicy chicken, rice and salsa!

Ingredients

Fajita Seasoning

1 1/2 tsp. chili powder
1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. granulated sugar
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. cayenne, if desired

Salsa Chicken and Rice Dish

2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 Tbsp. fajita seasoning (from above)
2 Tbsp. butter
1 cup yellow onion, chopped
1 cup red pepper, chopped
1/2 cup yellow pepper, chopped
1/2 tsp. salt
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 cup uncooked long grain rice
2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup salsa
2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped, if desired

Instructions

Fajita Seasoning

In a small bowl, combine all seasoning ingredients. Whisk together until well blended. Store any remaining seasoning in an airtight container.

Salsa Chicken and Rice Dish

Add the olive oil to a large, deep skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken thighs evenly with the fajita seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until chicken is browned and no longer pink (internal temp of 165°F). Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
To the same skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion, peppers and salt and cook for three minutes, stirring often. Reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic and flour; cook for an additional one minute, stirring often. Add the rice, chicken broth and salsa and bring to a boil. Once the mixture starts boiling, lower the heat and simmer, covered until rice is tender, about 15 minutes.
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through and rice is tender. Squeeze in the lime juice and add salt and pepper to taste. Top with the chopped cilantro, if desired.

Notes

I used a medium salsa for this recipe, but if you like things spicier, use a hot, or if you enjoy things not as spicy, use a mild salsa.
I used boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe to keep the calories down and ensure maximum moisture. If you’re not a fan of dark chicken meat, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You’ll just need to cook them a bit less so they don’t dry out.
You can add the 1/4 teaspoon cayenne to your fajita seasoning if you like a spicier seasoning, or just omit if you don’t.
You won’t use all the fajita seasoning for the dish, so just store any remaining seasoning in an airtight container in your spice cabinet for future use.

Nutrition Information

Keywords: one pot dish, chicken, Mexican, salsa, rice, fajita seasoning

Cuisine: Mexican

Course: Main Dish

Before your first bite, snap a photo and share! If you make this recipe, I’d love to see! Be sure to follow thebeachhousekitchen on Instagram and tag Mention @thebeachhousekitchen or tag #thebeachhousekitchen!

I genuinely hope you give this incredibly easy and flavorful one-pot dish a try. It’s truly a lifesaver for those hectic weeknights and a dish that everyone at your table is sure to enjoy. And, looking ahead to celebrations like Cinco de Mayo, imagine pairing this savory meal with a refreshing, zesty margarita—perfection! Please let me know if you try the recipe by leaving a comment below. I love hearing about your culinary adventures. Enjoy!