Chicken Burrito Skillet

This easy one-pan chicken dinner has everything you love in a burrito but is made in a skillet! Full of juicy white meat chicken, tender white rice, spices, tomatoes, and cheese, you’ll love this Chicken Burrito Skillet for a delicious meal that comes together in no time.

I love Mexican food, and this chicken burrito skillet, though not exactly a super-authentic recipe, hits such yummy Southwest notes that I’m calling it a fiesta in a pan! The recipe starts with chicken breast sautéed with a blend of Mexican-inspired spices and then simmered gently with long-grain white rice, tomatoes, beans, and onions for a delicious burrito-bowl entree. Topped with cheese, green onions, and cilantro, it’s a yummy dinner option that you and your family will love.

Why We Love This Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe

• Convenient: This recipe offers the flavors and components of a burrito in a skillet format, making it a convenient and quick option for a busy night.
• Flavorful Fusion: Although not strictly authentic, combining Mexican-inspired spices, rice, tomatoes, and beans results in a delicious burrito-bowl meal.
• Adaptable: The recipe is adaptable to ingredient availability and personal preferences.

Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken Breast: Cut up one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Olive Oil: For sauteing.
• Onion: I use one small yellow onion, finely diced, but you can substitute any kind of onion you like!
• Fresh Garlic: Mince the garlic.
• Rice: You’ll need 1 cup of uncooked, long grain white rice.
• Canned Tomatoes: Drain the tomatoes well.
• Canned Beans: I use one can of black beans, but you can use any kind. Make sure they’re well rinsed and drained.
• Cumin, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and Chili Powder
• Broth: You’ll need about 2 ½ cups of low sodium chicken broth, or you can substitute vegetable broth, homemade stock, etc.
• Cheese: This recipe uses one cup of cheese; I recommend shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese.
• Halved Cherry Tomatoes, Chopped Green Onions, and Fresh Cilantro: For garnish.

How to Make a Chicken Burrito Skillet

1. Saute the Chicken. Season the cut-up chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Then, add the chicken to a heavy-bottomed skillet and cook until just browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. Saute the Onions, Garlic, and Rice. Add remaining oil to the skillet and cook the onions for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and add the rice.
3. Add the Remaining Ingredients. Stir in the tomatoes and black beans. Season and stir well to combine. Then add chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Return the Chicken to the Pan and Simmer. Return the sautéed chicken pieces to the skillet. Lower the heat to a steady simmer; cover, and continue to cook for 20 to 25 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
5. Add Cheese and Garnishes, and Serve. Remove the pan from the heat, stir, and then sprinkle with cheese and cover for 4 to 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Garnish with tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro, and serve.

Tips for Success

• Rinse the Rice: If you’re concerned about the rice clumping together or turning out gummy, try rinsing! Before cooking the rice, place it in a sieve or other strainer and rinse well under running water. Let it drain well over a bowl until it’s time to add it to the pan.
• Scrape the Pan: After cooking the chicken and the aromatics, be sure to stir well to help scrape up any brown bits on the bottom of the pan. Be careful to use a wooden utensil or other nonstick-safe utensil, if you’re using a nonstick pan.
• Don’t Stir: While the dish is simmering, avoid stirring. Stirring rice while it cooks causes it to release extra starch, making the sauce thick and sticky.

Topping Ideas

There are many ways to top a plate of this delicious Chicken Burrito Skillet! Try sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa, taco sauce, shredded lettuce, and/or queso dip.

Serving Suggestions

If you have the time, start this savory meal with Zucchini Fritters or a bowl of Cream of Asparagus Soup. Also, my easy Strawberry Lemonade Sangria makes a wonderful casual cocktail for any Tex-Mex meal! Whip up a quick Chocolate Mug Cake for a delicious finish to an awesome meal, and Fruit Sando sandwiches for the littles!

Storing Leftovers

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. You can also portion the leftovers into single servings, pop each serving into an airtight container, and freeze for later!
• To reheat, microwave on medium for a minute at a time until heated through, stirring once or twice between heating.

More Skillet Dinners

• Skillet Balsamic Chicken
• Skillet Lasagna
• Honey Garlic Pork Chops
• Chicken Madeira