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Homemade One Skillet Cheesy Salsa Chicken Rice Bake. recipe photo

One Skillet Cheesy Salsa Chicken Rice Bake.

This One Skillet Cheesy Salsa Chicken Rice Bake is a flavor-packed, easy weeknight meal!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 yellow onion chopped
  • 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs cut into chunks
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup dry broken spaghetti or angel hair pasta
  • 1 cup long grain rice
  • 1/2 cup chunky red salsa
  • 2 tablespoons chopped pepperoncini
  • 1 can black beans drained
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack or spicy cheddar
  • Chopped cilantro for garnish
  • Chopped scallions for garnish
  • Cubed or sliced avocado for garnish
  • Limes for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting Board and Knife
  • Serving spoon

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and toss in the chopped yellow onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
  2. Add the chicken chunks to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and chipotle chili powder. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
  3. Stir in the chopped red bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
  4. Add the dry broken spaghetti and long grain rice to the skillet. Mix everything together to ensure the pasta and rice are evenly distributed.
  5. Pour in the chunky red salsa and add the drained black beans. Stir well to combine.
  6. Add 2 cups of water to the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes.
  7. Once the rice and pasta are cooked, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese and pepper jack cheese over the top.
  8. Garnish with chopped cilantro, scallions, and cubed avocado. Serve with fresh lime wedges on the side.

Notes

  • This dish is perfect for meal prep; store leftovers in an airtight container.
  • Feel free to substitute chicken with ground turkey, beef, or tofu.
  • For a spicier kick, try adding more chipotle chili powder or using spicy salsa.