Best 8 Mexican Chicken And Rice Salad Recipes

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Have you ever craved a dish that's bursting with Mexican flavors, packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a refreshing blend of vegetables? Look no further than this incredible Mexican Chicken and Rice Salad. This vibrant salad is a delightful symphony of textures and tastes, sure to tantalize your palate and transport you to the heart of Mexico.

In this article, we present not one, but three delectable variations of this classic salad, each with its unique twist. From the traditional Mexican Chicken and Rice Salad to a spicy Chipotle Chicken and Rice Salad and a tangy Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice Salad, we have something to satisfy every taste preference.

The traditional Mexican Chicken and Rice Salad is a timeless classic, featuring succulent chicken, fluffy rice, crisp bell peppers, sweet corn, and a zesty dressing. The Chipotle Chicken and Rice Salad adds a smoky heat with the addition of chipotle peppers, creating a dish that's both flavorful and fiery. And lastly, the Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice Salad bursts with freshness, thanks to the vibrant tomatillo salsa and avocado.

These salads are more than just a meal; they are an experience to savor. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, leaving you feeling satisfied and invigorated. So, gather your ingredients, choose your favorite variation, and let's embark on a culinary journey to Mexico!

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

MEXICAN CHICKEN AND RICE



Mexican Chicken and Rice image

Healthy one-pot Mexican chicken and rice skillet with black beans and cheese. An easy, crowd-pleaser recipe for weeknight dinners!

Provided by Erin Clarke / Well Plated

Categories     Main Course

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, cut into 3/4-inch pieces)
1 small yellow onion (chopped)
2 small jalapenos (or 1 large jalapeno, core and seeds discarded, diced)
1 red bell pepper (chopped)
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 can black beans ((15 ounces), rinsed and drained)
1 cup long or medium-grain brown rice
1 can diced tomatoes in their juices ((15 ounces))
3 medium green onions (chopped)
Optional

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid over medium to high heat. Once hot and shimmering, swirl to coat the pan, then add the chicken, onion, jalapeno, and red bell pepper. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the chicken is browned and the onion is beginning to soften. Add the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the chicken and cook 30 seconds. Add the black beans and rice. Stir to coat once more.
  • Add the diced tomatoes in their juices and 1 1/2 cups water. Stir to combine the ingredients. Bring to a gentle boil, cover, then reduce the heat and let simmer 30 minutes. Remove the lid and stir, scraping up any rice that has started to stick to the bottom of the pot. Re-cover and continue to let simmer with the lid on until the rice is tender, 10 to 20 additional minutes, stirring the pot every 10 minutes or so to prevent sticking. If the rice begins to dry out, add a bit more liquid.
  • Stir in the green onions. Serve warm with any other desired toppings.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 (of 4), Calories 531 kcal, Carbohydrate 74 g, Protein 39 g, Fat 9 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 73 mg, Fiber 14 g, Sugar 6 g, UnsaturatedFat 6 g

MEXICAN CHICKEN AND RICE



Mexican Chicken and Rice image

This one pan Mexican Chicken and Rice recipe is loaded with vibrant flavors. Easy to prepare and make, it's a perfect weeknight meal for the whole family!

Provided by Yumna Jawad

Categories     Main Course

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion (diced)
1 pound chicken breast (cut into 1 inch cubes)
2 teaspoons salt (divided)
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 ½ cups uncooked long grain white rice
1 ½ cups chicken broth
15 ounces can tomato sauce
4 ounces can green chilies
Cilantro (for serving)

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan, over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until they soften slightly, about 5 minutes.
  • Increase the heat to medium high, add the cubed chicken. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, pepper garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  • Add the rice, remaining salt, and cook with the chicken to lightly toast the rice. Pour the chicken broth, tomato sauce, and green chilies. Stir to combine.
  • Bring mixture to a boil then lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pan, and cook the rice untouched until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed, about 18 minutes.
  • Top with fresh cilantro, if desired

Nutrition Facts : Calories 335 kcal, Carbohydrate 45 g, Protein 21 g, Fat 7 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Cholesterol 48 mg, Sodium 1522 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 5 g, ServingSize 1 serving

MEXICAN CHICKEN AND RICE SALAD



Mexican Chicken and Rice Salad image

I came up with this when I had leftover rice and hadn't eaten dinner yet. It turned out so good I had to share it. Use leftover chicken or grill a breast. Serve warm or cold.

Provided by Heather Finn-Brady

Categories     Salad     Grains     Rice Salad Recipes

Time 15m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 cups cooked brown rice
2 cups salsa
1 (15.25 ounce) can sweet corn, drained
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cooked chicken breast, chopped
1 avocado - peeled, pitted, and cut into cubes
¼ cup chopped cilantro

Steps:

  • Mix rice, salsa, corn, beans, chicken, avocado, and cilantro together in a bowl.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 567.3 calories, Carbohydrate 105.8 g, Cholesterol 12.2 mg, Fat 9 g, Fiber 13.1 g, Protein 19.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 1019.1 mg, Sugar 5.7 g

MEXICAN CHICKEN AND RICE



Mexican Chicken and Rice image

On days I get home late from the hospital, I'm glad this main dish comes together easily in one skillet. Sometimes, I make it ahead in the morning and refrigerate. It's so quick to just sprinkle on the cheese and reheat it for dinner.-Cindy Gage, Blair, Nebraska

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 20m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 can (8-3/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup salsa
1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt
1/2 to 1 teaspoon chili powder, optional
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 cups uncooked instant rice
1/2 to 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, saute the chicken green pepper and onion in oil until chicken is no longer pink and vegetables are crisp-tender. Add the corn, broth, salsa, salt, chili powder if desired and pepper; bring to a boil., Stir in the rice; cover and remove from the heat. Let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover and let stand for 2 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 381 calories, Fat 11g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 94mg cholesterol, Sodium 782mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 36g protein.

CHICKEN AND RICE SALAD



Chicken and Rice Salad image

Notes Janne Rowe from Wichita, Kansas, "I start this salad by poaching chicken breasts in a mixture of white wine, garlic and lemon juice. It gives them great flavor and helps keep them moist." The cubed chicken, veggies and cooked rice are tossed with a tasty homemade dressing.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 40m

Yield 7 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 cup white wine or chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger, divided
1-1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 cups chicken broth
1-1/2 cups uncooked long grain rice
1 package (10 ounces) frozen peas, thawed
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1/2 cup diced celery
2 tablespoons diced sweet red pepper
2 tablespoons diced green pepper
DRESSING:
1/4 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons honey
1 garlic clove, minced
Dash ground ginger

Steps:

  • In a large nonstick skillet, combine the wine, lemon juice, garlic and 1/4 teaspoon ginger. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Add chicken; poach, uncovered, over medium-low heat for 15 minutes or until a thermometer reads 170°. Remove chicken from cooking liquid; cool., In a large saucepan, bring broth and remaining ginger to a boil. Stir in rice. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Fluff with a fork., Transfer to a large bowl; cool. Add the peas, onions, celery and peppers. Cut chicken into bite-size pieces; add to rice mixture and toss., Whisk the dressing ingredients; drizzle over salad and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 350 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 47mg cholesterol, Sodium 704mg sodium, Carbohydrate 43g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

EASY TEX-MEX CHICKEN AND RICE



Easy Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 20m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1/2 white onion, diced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
One 15-ounce can tomato sauce
One 10-ounce can diced tomatoes and green chiles
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
Two 8.8-ounce bags microwaveable white rice
1 1/2 cups grated pepper jack cheese
Fresh cilantro, for serving

Steps:

  • In a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the garlic, onion, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper and turmeric. Cook, stirring often, until the onion is soft and the spices are toasted, about 3 minutes.
  • Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and green chiles, chicken and both bags of rice. Stir together and cook until the rice is heated through and beginning to absorb some of the liquid, about 5 minutes. Turn the heat to low and sprinkle the pepper jack over the top. Cover with a lid and allow the cheese to melt completely, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Sprinkle over the cilantro and serve.

MEXICAN RICE SALAD



Mexican Rice Salad image

Ruth Bianchi from Apple Valley, Minnesota notes, "The recipe for this delicious, colorful salad has been in my family for years. My mother used to bring it to many different functions, and I'm carrying on her tradition."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

1-1/3 cups water
2/3 cup uncooked long grain rice
3/4 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1 medium carrot, chopped
1 tablespoon canola oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 package (16 ounces) frozen corn, thawed
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
2 medium plum tomatoes, chopped
1 cup salted peanuts
1/3 cup minced fresh cilantro
2/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup lemon juice
1/2 to 1-1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, bring water and rice to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat. Let stand for 5 minutes or until rice is tender. Rinse rice with cold water and drain. Place in a large bowl. , In a small skillet, saute the green pepper, onion and carrot in oil until crisp-tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add to rice. Stir in the corn, beans, tomatoes, peanuts and cilantro. , In a small bowl, combine the oil, lemon juice, cayenne and cumin. Pour over rice mixture; stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 297 calories, Fat 20g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 124mg sodium, Carbohydrate 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

BEST SPANISH RICE



Best Spanish Rice image

The combination of picante sauce and chicken broth makes this easy recipe very tasty!

Provided by Angela Sims

Categories     Side Dish     Rice Side Dish Recipes     Spanish Rice Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 5

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons chopped onion
1 ½ cups uncooked white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup chunky salsa

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion, and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Mix rice into skillet, stirring often. When rice begins to brown, stir in chicken broth and salsa. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes, until liquid has been absorbed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 286 calories, Carbohydrate 50.9 g, Cholesterol 2 mg, Fat 6.2 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 5.7 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 696.6 mg, Sugar 2.3 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh, ripe tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers, and tender chicken are key.
  • Don't overcook the chicken. It should be cooked through but still juicy and tender.
  • Let the salad cool slightly before serving. This will help the flavors to meld and develop.
  • Serve the salad with your favorite sides, such as chips, guacamole, or salsa.

Conclusion:

This Mexican chicken and rice salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a summer cookout or potluck. It is also a great way to use up leftover chicken. The salad is packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of fresh vegetables, juicy chicken, and a tangy dressing. It is also very versatile, so you can easily customize it to your own taste. Whether you are looking for a light lunch or a hearty dinner, this Mexican chicken and rice salad is sure to please.

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